M4CR Programme Grant Funds Development of Mangrove Ecotourism in Penajam

Penajam Paser Utara - The central government grant through the Mangrove for Coastal Resilience (M4CR) programme, amounting to around Rp140 million, is intended to strengthen the development of the Mangrove Ecotourism area in Kampung Baru Ward, Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Kalimantan (Kaltim). “The M4CR programme forms part of efforts to rehabilitate mangroves (bakau) while bolstering the environmental-based economy of coastal communities,” stated the Provincial Project Implementation Unit Manager for M4CR in Kaltim, Asman Aziz, in Penajam on Saturday. The M4CR programme is a collaboration between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the World Bank, previously under the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency, and now implemented by the Directorate General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Forestry. “It is hoped that the M4CR programme will be sustainable and able to improve the welfare of coastal communities,” said Asman Aziz. Assistant I for Government and Public Welfare of the Penajam Paser Utara Regency Government Secretariat, Nicko Herlambang, stated that the grant assistance through the M4CR programme provides an opportunity for the community to strengthen environmental-based tourism while preserving coastal sustainability. The mangrove area holds significant potential as a sustainable natural tourism destination, with management, promotion, and community involvement needing continuous strengthening for development. “The productive business grant assistance (matching grants) of Rp140 million is for the Tanjung Berseri Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) in the Mangrove Ecotourism area, Kampung Baru Ward, Penajam Subdistrict,” he said. The Mangrove Ecotourism area in Kampung Baru Ward is encouraged to continue developing and serve as an educational facility that provides broader benefits. Management must be transparent and on target so that the assistance can have a significant impact on the community’s economy and preserve the environment amid increasing tourism activities. The Kampung Baru Mangrove Ecotourism area in Penajam Subdistrict, Penajam Paser Utara Regency, covers an area of around 60 hectares, focused as a conservation zone and educational tourism site with facilities including a 677.8-metre boardwalk.