The dynamics of biodiversity and sustainable agromaritime transformation in four ecoregions of Central Sulawesi

¹ Urban and Regional Planning, Pakuan University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
² Centre for Regional System Analysis, Planning and Development (CrestPent)-IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
³ Biota Systems Research Centre, National Research and Innovation Agency, 16911, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Biodiversity underpins ecosystem resilience and human well-being, particularly in dynamic agromaritime landscapes. In Central Sulawesi Province, however, rapid land-use change, mining expansion, and increasing economic pressures have led to ecological imbalances and declining habitat integrity. This study aims to analyse biodiversity dynamics and examine causal linkages between development activities and environmental responses across four major ecoregions: the Lore Lindu Highlands, East Tomini Bay, the Tolo Bay Coast, and the Banggai Islands. The study employs the DPSIR (Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response) framework to systematically map interactions among socio-economic drivers, ecological pressures, environmental conditions, and policy responses. The results highlight how sectoral development pathways generate cumulative pressures on biodiversity, resulting in habitat degradation, reduced ecosystem services, and increased vulnerability of local communities. Furthermore, the analysis reveals gaps in current policy responses, particularly in terms of integration, adaptive governance, and cross-sectoral coordination. This study contributes to the development of a more integrated and evidence-based framework for sustainable agromaritime development by emphasizing the need to align biodiversity conservation with regional development planning.