Urbanization has accelerated the conversion of vegetated land to built-up regions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of urban park configuration on the Land Surface Temperature of the park and adjacent areas. In urban parks, the study analyzed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), and the Land Surface Temperature (LST). The NDVI categorization process resulted in the development of a vegetation density distribution. The majority of Medan’s urban areas were categorized as low density, as seen by their low NDVI values. The NDBI values were significantly higher in the majority of the area. This shows that the majority of places are experiencing a decline in vegetation cover. The density of vegetation varies according to the placement of park components such as trees, mixed plants, recreation, and sports areas. According to LST data, the temperature in the urban park was cooler than in the surrounding areas. Although the surrounding areas are densely populated, urban parks are dominated by trees. Additionally, there is a green space adjacent to the park, which is a green lane that runs alongside the main roadways.

Watersheds are critical ecosystems that provide essential services, but they face increasing threats from deforestation, land use changes, and climate variability. The Mata Allo Sub-Watershed, which is characterized by steep topography and high rainfall, is particularly vulnerable to erosion, landslides, and habitat loss, necessitating robust conservation strategies. This study used principal component analysis (PCA) to assess ecological sensitivity, focusing on slope, rainfall, vegetation density, and land cover. The PCA results identified land cover as the most influential positive factor in F1 (loading value: 0.588), increasing sensitivity due to human-induced land use changes, while rainfall contributed most negatively (−0.638) by potentially mitigating extreme ecological risks. These contrasting roles underscore the complexity of interactions shaping watershed sensitivity. Slope strongly influenced F2 (−0.795), explaining 26.48% of the variance and highlighting the critical role of steep slopes in exacerbating erosion risks. Vegetation density in F3 (−0.679) and rainfall in F4 (−0.724) played significant roles in stabilizing soil and mitigating ecological risks, emphasizing their importance in reducing watershed sensitivity. The “Extremely Sensitive” class covers 48.79% of the watershed, primarily in areas with steep slopes and sparse vegetation, while “High Sensitivity” areas occupy 34.93%. Projections for 2032 suggest a reduction in “Extremely Sensitive” zones to 41.00%, reflecting improvements from targeted management interventions. These findings provide a foundation for promoting sustainable watershed management, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting biodiversity conservation efforts in vulnerable regions.

Mangrove forests can be used directly or indirectly by communities/farmer groups around the coast. However, with the rampant forest destruction that occurs, the community or farmer groups need to be equipped with capacity building about the importance of the mangrove ecosystem and its impact on their livelihood. This study aims to identify the condition of mangrove forests in the research area and determine strategies for institutional development of forest farmer groups in coastal areas at the Production Forest Management Unit. The research method used is a qualitative method with interviews; while the analytical method used is the SWOT analysis. Based on the results of the analysis of the Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) with a strength factor value of 0.054 and a weakness value of 0.47. From the calculation of the internal environment score (IFAS) value, namely the strength factor minus the weakness factor, the value of x was obtained as the horizontal axis 0.054-0.047 = 0.007. Based on the External Factor Analysis Summary (EFAS) analysis results, the opportunity factor had a value of 0.054 with threats having a value of 0.047. The results showed that the external calculation score (EFAS), namely the opportunity factor (opportunities) reduced by the threat factor, obtained the Y value as the vertical. The identification of internal (IFAS) and external (EFAS) factors indicated that the position of institutional development of forest farmer groups in coastal areas was in quadrant one (I) or in an aggressive position that supports the SO development strategy (aggressive development strategy)

Tapanuli orangutan ( Pongo tapanuliensis ) is a critically endangered species that must be conserved. One of the locations where it is found is Dolok Sipirok Natural Reserve. The threat to this species arises from land use of agriculture and accessibility to the area, resulting in human-orangutan conflict. Identification of conflict areas is necessary. Information on the contributing factors to conflicts between humans and orangutans is also important. This research analyzed the relationship between spatial characteristics with conflict location. The factors including distance to the forest boundary, road, and the river, slope, altitude, and land cover were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Rank Spearman correlation coefficient was. The results showed that distance to farmland and altitude were the main factors affecting the conflict, while the weakest factor was distance from the road. Arse Nauli village was the place where most conflicts occurred. The most robust relationship with conflict was altitude.

Indonesia is an archipelago country that has a long coastline of approximately 99,093 km. Most of the areas are intensively exploited by human activities. The increased population and development activities in the coastal area of Tapanuli Tengah and Sibolga have caused degradation and conversion of forests that cause the density of vegetation change. This research was conducted by overlaying some spatial data of the year 2007 and 2017 to analyze the changes of vegetation density and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) values between 2007 and 2017. The research result showed that the largest area of vegetation density changes was the decreased of very dense class, which wass 62.48%. The largest area increased occurred in the dense class of 50.75%. This research is expected to provide information for considering the management of coastal areas in Tapanuli Tengah and Sibolga.