Assessing Coastal Management Priorities Through Ecosystem-Based Risk Assessment Approaches in Dynamic Tropical Regions: a Case Study Approach

The coastal areas of the Cimerak and Cijulang districts in the Pangandaran Regency of Indonesia are part of the National Strategic Tourism Zones and exhibit a high susceptibility to shoreline changes resulting from erosion and accretion processes. Anthropogenic activities, particularly those associated with urban development and tourism expansion, further influence these coastal dynamics. Such developments and landscape alterations have important implications for the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. Therefore, a prioritization analysis is crucial to guide effective coastal management across nine selected sites along the southwestern coast of Pangandaran. This study evaluates three key indicators: erosion conditions (through field observations and measurements), Habitat Risk Assessment (HRA), and ecosystem services based on the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES). These indicators are integrated to determine management priority classes and to provide recommendations for sustainable coastal management within the study area. Based on the weighted analysis of the three indicators, Madasari Beach, Batukaras Beach, and Ciparanti Beach are classified as high-priority management areas. It is characterized by high erosion scores and rich ecosystem service profiles that require immediate interventions, including vegetative stabilization, controlled tourism zoning, and aquaculture regulation. Meanwhile, Muara Gatah Beach, Jojongor Beach, and Legokjawa Beach fall into the medium-priority class. Furthermore, Muara Madasari Beach, Tsunami Monument Beach, and TPI Legokjawa Beach are categorized as low-priority areas. The site presents high ecological risk, primarily driven by anthropogenic activities, particularly built-up areas and aquaculture. Given the high-priority classification of specific locations, more intensive management interventions are required to safeguard the coastal ecosystems in these zones. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.