Integrating spatial scoring into critical land rehabilitation for sustainable ecosystem restoration

Abstract

Background: Land rehabilitation is an effort to restore land functions according to their intended use to achieve ecosystem balance, enhance soil infiltration, and improve water retention capacity. Land degradation can trigger a range of environmental issues such as soil erosion, and it is also one of the primary causes of landslides and floods. Methods: This study employed a spatial scoring method to assess land conditions in Tasikmalaya City. The goal was to develop appropriate rehabilitation approaches for critical land areas based on spatial characteristics and severity levels. Findings: The results indicated that critical land areas remain in several sub-districts within Tasikmalaya City, necessitating targeted rehabilitation efforts. Three main rehabilitation approaches were identified as suitable: (1) community forest and agroforestry systems, (2) community forest combined with non-structural slope reinforcement, and (3) environmental greening initiatives. Conclusion: Rehabilitation efforts in Tasikmalaya must be tailored to the specific conditions of degraded areas. Integrating ecological-based practices such as agroforestry and community involvement is essential in restoring the land’s function and preventing future disasters. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study contributes a spatially-based decision-making model for land rehabilitation planning, offering a practical, location-specific approach for addressing land degradation in urban areas such as Tasikmalaya City.