In Kuala Selat, Riau, decades of logging and coconut plantation expansion have resulted in significant landscape degradation, threatening local livelihoods and biodiversity. Pulau Rote and Malaka in NTT are renowned for their ecological diversity but face challenges from aquaculture and salt production.
These landscapes are integral to Indonesia’s biodiversity and coastal protection. The project addresses these challenges by restoring mangrove ecosystems and empowering communities to engage in sustainable landscape management.
Blue Forests employs a Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration approach. In Kuala Selat, efforts include hydrological repair, native species planting, and agroforestry practices to stabilize the coastline and restore habitats. In NTT, the focus is on converting degraded aquaculture ponds and salt production areas into mangrove ecosystems, with activities such as analogue forestry and human-assisted propagule distribution.
Community involvement is central, with women and marginalized groups actively participating in all stages. Traditional ecological knowledge and modern restoration techniques are combined to ensure long-term success.
The project generates ecological and socio-economic benefits. In Riau, mangrove restoration addresses coastal erosion and carbon sequestration while creating habitats for diverse species. The community benefits from sustainable livelihoods, such as fisheries and agroforestry.
In NTT, restoration activities enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem connectivity, and provide economic opportunities, including honey production and non-timber forest products. These efforts improve landscape resilience to flooding and soil erosion.
