Mangrove Reforestation: Making A Difference
- Kate Dirga
- Aug 18, 2022
- 2 min read
The impacts of climate change go much further than just the increase in greenhouse gases on Earth. It even goes to the extent of harming ecosystems, resulting in the death of many animal species, especially those near coastal communities. But how can we fix the ecosystems near the coast? Well, the answer is simple: Mangrove Reforestation!
What’s going on?
Indonesia is home to 23% of the world’s mangrove forests. Sadly, over the past five decades, more than 40% of the mangrove forests in Indonesia have been lost. This has caused many damage to ecosystems and communities who rely on these trees. Mangroves provide endless benefits for communities. They protect communities from the impact of climate change and generate income through ecotourism. However, many thousands of acres of mangrove forest have been destroyed to make way for rice paddies, rubber trees, palm oil plantations, and other forms of agriculture. Farmers often use fertilizers and chemicals, and the runoff containing these pollutants makes its way into the homes of many sea creatures. As a result, these animals are harmed and become endangered.
Why do we need mangroves so badly?
Researchers and scientists in New Caledonia have discovered that mangroves could actually efficiently absorb and filter the harmful chemicals and pollutants used in agriculture. It can also absorb toxic heavy metals, preventing these pollutants from contaminating Indonesia’s waterways. We need to preserve mangroves as losing them means losing resources for hundreds of millions of species across the tropics and subtropics. Mangroves provide so many benefits to coastal communities and beyond; fisheries, fuel and timber, medicinal products, coastal protection, and numerous cultural and spiritual services.
How are we going to save the mangroves?
Many organizations, such as Eden Reforestation Projects, are working to restore mangrove forests in Indonesia. They start by learning about the local community’s needs, especially in remote areas of Indonesia, such as Biak Island in West Papua. Working closely with the local people bring their sense of ownership, as global citizens we share the same responsibility to save the earth. Indonesia’s current president, Joko Widodo, supports Mangrove Tree Rehabilitation in Riau, Kalimantan and Bali with the hope to recover what was lost over the years. The Deputy Minister for Environment Coordination and Forestry, Nani Hendiarti mentioned, "We all need to come together – the government, CSOs, private sectors, and communities – to protect mangroves for a more prosperous Indonesia." When we care about the environment, the environment will take care of us. Let’s do our part and make a difference.
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