Integrating mangrove sensitivity and human activity mapping for sustainable coastal management in Kampung Sungai Melayu, Johor

Mangrove ecosystems are vital for coastal resilience, providing nursery habitats, shoreline stabilization, carbon storage and supporting local livelihood through fishing, small – scale aquaculture and eco – tourism. In Kampung Sungai Melayu, Johor, the rapid development of Iskandar Puteri and surrounding infrastructure has intensified pressure on mangrove, including habitat fragmentation, water quality decline and reduced ecological connectivity. These challenges threaten both ecosystem integrity and community livelihoods, emphasizing the need for integrated socio – ecological assessment and management. The aim of this study is to evaluate mangrove sensitivity under human disturbance in Kampung Sungai Melayu. The objectives are to classify ecological characteristics across mangrove microhabitats, identify human activities impacting these habitats and integrate ecological sensitivity with human activity mapping to identify critical zones for sustainable management. The study employed three steps approach : Site observation using Mangrove and Water Quality Indices, Semi – structured interview with 10 respondents (experts and non – experts) to capture perceptions of habitat sensitivity and human pressures and Spatial GIS Mapping combining ecological data and interview results to visualize mangrove vulnerability and human activities intensity across the landscape. Findings indicate the mangrove structural integrity and soil stability remain moderate, while fauna presence and physical disturbance highlight vulnerabilities. Illegal aquaculture, habitat fragmentation and localize pollution are the most pressing threats, particularly in fringe zones, creek mouths and prop – roots areas. Community knowledge contribute to resilience, but weak enforcement and fragmented governance limit effective management. The integration of sensitivity assessment with spatial GIS mapping provides actionable insights for sustainable coastal management and supports progress towards sustainable development goals on life below water, sustainable communities and climate actions. .