Mangrove conservation in Indonesia

Southeast Asia’s natural coast guards need our help

With more than 17,000 islands and over 54,000 kilometres of tropical coastline, Indonesia encompasses the largest area of mangrove forests of any country worldwide. However, the archipelago is experiencing alarming rates of mangrove loss: Only 3 million hectares of mangroves remain, representing 65% of its original area, according to recent studies. This means that roughly one third of all mangroves in Indonesia have been destroyed, most of them in the last 30 years. In many areas, this portion is much higher, as is the case in the project region in the West of Gorontalo province on Sulawesi Island. There, approximately 60% of the original mangrove area have been destroyed, largely due to the rapid development of aquaculture farms.

Turning the tide of mangrove loss

The consequences of mangrove degradation are increasingly apparent in coastal communities along the shores of Gorontalo province. With their vital ecosystem services, mangroves are particularly important for local fishermen and the livelihoods of their families. They provide breeding grounds for many fish species and other marine organisms, and filter sediments and nutrients that would otherwise suffocate coral reefs offshore. As sea levels rise and storm surges become more frequent and severe due to climate change, the lack of natural protection provided by mangroves exacerbates the negative consequences for local inhabitants: Many settlements now face increased levels of coastal erosion and severe damages to their infrastructure. Consequently, mangroves are increasingly recognized as indispensable allies to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.

Upscaling mangrove conservation and sustainable use practices

Together with our Indonesian BirdLife Partner Burung Indonesia, we support six coastal communities in the western part of Pohuwato Regency in Gorontalo Province to protect the remaining mangrove forests and identify areas suitable for restoration. The project will bring together all relevant stakeholders in the region to join forces for improved mangrove conservation and management.

Project activities include:

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