Sub-national workshop on increasing capacity of local community and sub-national government on mangrove restoration and food security

Mangrove is an ecosystem with high ecological, economic, and social values. The benefits and ecosystem services provided by mangroves are higher than their geographical distribution. This coastal ecosystem has long been known to provide many benefits in providing food and a source of livelihood for local communities. Mangroves also play a role in preventing abrasion, flooding, pollution, and the adverse effects of ocean waves. With 3-5 times more carbon stocks than lowland forests, this unique ecosystem has great potential in regulating global climate, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as maintaining biodiversity.

Indonesia is home to approximately a quarter of the world’s mangroves (3.3 million ha). Mangroves have the potential to prevent emissions of nearly 30% of total national emissions.

Mangrove degradation in Indonesia due to land-use change that began with deforestation into ponds, agricultural land/plantations, and settlements in the last 50 years has only left half of the existing mangroves. If this degradation is not prevented or suppressed, in just 30 years the country’s mangroves will likely be extinct.

The Restoring Coastal Landscape for Adaptation Integrated Mitigation (ReCLAIM) Project is designed to assess the mitigation and adaptation capacity of degraded mangrove ecosystems to climate change, with a view to implement appropriate restorative actions.

The project is implemented by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and Brawijaya University (UB), 17 Agustus 1945 Banyuwangi University (UNTAG), Blue Forest Foundation, and Wetlands International Indonesia.

Indonesia’s regulatory framework on sustainable mangrove management (Presidential Decree No. 73/2012) was abolished in 2020. As a result, the institutions established under the regulation were neglected.

Communities living in the coastal zones of Java Island, including Banten, Demak, and Banyuwangi have been negatively impacted by flooding. Without a proper system of management by the community and government, the oversight of mangrove ecosystems has not been optimal. As a result, it has been difficult to target rehabilitation and restoration programmes to mitigate disasters. Further, local communities are unable to utilize mangroves for their livelihoods.

This workshop brings together representatives of government agencies and local communities to strengthen their capacity to sustainably manage mangrove ecosystems.

Objectives

1. To exchange information and knowledge based on the results of research and surveys from the ReCLAIM program with stakeholders in three benchmarks (Banyuwangi, Banten and Demak).
2. To increase awareness of all parties on the impacts of mangrove degradation and to develop concrete steps for adaptation and restoration.
3. To build the capacity building of policy makers on policy and institutional aspects of mangrove management and policy implementation.
4. To build the capacity of community group leaders and their members on sustainable use of mangroves.

Partners
The ReCLAIM project is conducted in collaboration with Brawijaya University (UB), 17 Agustus 1945 Banyuwangi University (UNTAG), Blue Forest Foundation and Wetlands International Indonesia.

Participants
The workshop participants consisted of 50 participants, representing sub-national governments, national and local NGOs, academe, local communities, mangrove groups, and extension workers.

Event description
Following up on scientific surveys and research activities carried out by CIFOR, UNDIP, and IKAMaT along with partners UB, UNTAG, Blue Forests Foundation, and Wetlands International Indonesia in the Demak, Banyuwangi, and Banten benchmarks throughout 2021 – 2022, several problems have been found for each region. These various issues are divided into four main issues: (i) adaptation, (ii) mitigation, (iii) health and nutrition, and (iv) communication strategies. To address these issues, CIFOR, UNDIP, and the IKAMaT will organize a sub-national workshop that will be held offline. This event consists of two sessions i.e. (i) session for presentation of research results, and (ii) panel discussion session.

Contact
PASPHA GHAISHIDRA MUHAMMAD PUTRA
IKAMaT Public Relation Manager
+62 852-2893-0024

IKAMaT Secretariat
Jl. Kelapa Gading V, Blok AM No. 14
Bukit Kencana Jaya, Kelurahan Meteseh 50271
Semarang – Jawa Tengah, INDONESIA
P. +6282177832014
E. yayasanikamat@gmail.com
W. ikamat.org