Mangrove rehabilitation must not stop at planting activities\naloneDenpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Indonesia\u2019s Minister of Marine Affairs\nand Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasised that mangrove\nrehabilitation must also restore the ecological function of coastal\necosystems and support food security, as well as the economy of coastal\ncommunities.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the main event marking the 2026 World Mangrove Day in\nDenpasar, Bali, on Sunday, Minister Trenggono said mangroves play a\nstrategic role as coastal protectors, nursery habitats for various\nmarine species, blue carbon sinks, and pillars of coastal\nlivelihoods.<\/p>\n
According to him, the growing global population\u2014projected to reach\nnearly 10 billion by 2050, including around 320 million people in\nIndonesia\u2014will drive up the demand for food and protein, putting\nIndonesia in a vital position as a major global fisheries producer.<\/p>\n
However, the minister warned the potential could faces serious\nthreats as Indonesia has lost around 40 percent of its mangrove areas\nover the last three decades, with degradation progressing at roughly\n52,000 hectares per year.<\/p>\n
Related news: Jakarta plants 21,060 mangroves to protect its\ncoastline<\/p>\n
Furthermore, approximately 19.2 percent of the nation\u2019s mangroves are\ncurrently in critical condition.<\/p>\n
\u201cMangrove rehabilitation must not stop at planting activities alone,\nbut must be carried out based on ecological suitability so that\necosystem functions are genuinely restored,\u201d Trenggono said.<\/p>\n
He explained the Ministry is developing a blue economy policy built\non five main pillars, including expanding marine conservation areas to\nreach 97.5 million hectares by 2045, implementing quota-based measured\nfishing, and developing sustainable aquaculture.<\/p>\n
The other two pillars are strengthening the management of coastal\nzones and small islands, and reducing marine plastic waste through\ncommunity participation.<\/p>\n
In addition, the Ministry has established six priority programmes for\nthe marine and fisheries sector of the 2025-2029 period.<\/p>\n
One of them is the revitalisation of ponds along the Northern Coast\nof Java (Pantura), which integrates mangrove restoration with the\ndevelopment of aquaculture areas.<\/p>\n
Related news: Giant Sea Wall to be combined with mangrove restoration\n: Minister<\/p>\n
The programme is projected to yield around 800,000 tons of production\nannually, with an economic value reaching Rp20 trillion (approximately\nUS$1.11 billion) and creating roughly 83,000 jobs.<\/p>\n
Trenggono also emphasised the success of mangrove rehabilitation is\nmeasured not only by the number of trees planted, but also by the\nrestoration of ecological functions and the increase in economic\nbenefits for coastal communities.<\/p>\n
He further noted that successful mangrove rehabilitation requires the\ncollaboration of all stakeholders through integrated policies, the use\nof science, community empowerment, as well as the strengthening of\nfinancing, supervision, and education.<\/p>\n
Closing his remarks, Trenggono called on all parties to bolster a\njoint commitment to safeguarding and managing the mangrove ecosystem in\norder to realise resilient coastal areas, productive oceans, and\nprosperous coastal communities.<\/p>\n
Related news: Minister launches national bamboo movement to restore\ncritical land<\/p>\n
Related news: 4,700 ha of mangroves planted to reverse mining\ndamage<\/p>\n
Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Raka Adji<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/minister-calls-for-mangrove-rehabilitation-to-support-food-security-1785070228", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }