The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Sustainable Agromaritime Transformation in Four Ecoregions of Central Sulawesi

Abstract

Abstract. Biodiversity forms the foundation of ecosystem resilience and human well-being in agromaritime landscapes. However, land-use change, mining expansion, and economic pressures in Central Sulawesi have significantly altered ecological balance and habitat integrity. This study aims to analyze biodiversity dynamics and identify causal linkages between development drivers and environmental responses across four major ecoregions: the Lore Lindu Highlands, Tomini Bay East, Tolo Bay Coast, and the Banggai Archipelago. The research applies the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework to examine interactions between human activities, ecosystem conditions, and policy responses. Results indicate that the primary drivers include agricultural expansion, coastal urbanization, and growing exploitation of marine resources. The main pressures consist of deforestation, coral reef degradation, and mangrove conversion. The current state of ecosystems reveals declining forest cover in Lore Lindu, reduced water quality in Tomini and Tolo Bays, and decreasing fish diversity in the Banggai Islands. The ecological impacts manifest in the loss of endemic species and reduced capacity of key ecosystem services such as freshwater supply, food provision, and coastal protection. In response, the provincial government and development partners have initiated a Biodiversity Master Plan to strengthen ecosystem-based governance and promote multi-stakeholder collaboration. The study concludes that the DPSIR approach effectively captures the complex socio-ecological interactions shaping biodiversity change and provides an evidence-based framework for guiding sustainable and inclusive agromaritime development in Central Sulawesi.