Ministry, UI launch program to boost mangrove economic value

“Mangroves are an important point because our mangroves cover almost 20 percent of the world’s total, or nearly 3.4 million hectares,” said Deputy for Village, Underdeveloped Village, and Special Village Empowerment at the ministry, Abdul Haris, here on Monday.

According to him, it should be understood that mangroves can absorb carbon, while industrial activity is heavily concentrated along the coast of Java.

“The government should work with technical teams, since mangroves fall under the Forestry Ministry and the Environment Ministry, so we will try to collaborate,” he said.

For example, he said, if regional governments need to issue regional regulations, his side will also help oversee the process together, adding that the work requires high performance and must be carried out on an ongoing basis.

Haris said the launch marked an initial step, especially with UI, to explore how to utilize the economic value of mangroves.

“We are targeting concrete, sustainable action under President Prabowo’s administration, so there needs to be thorough mapping from start to finish, since creating this regulation is not easy,” he said.

In addition, he acknowledged that the economic value could not yet be calculated in rupiah terms, but said in practice, industries emitting carbon should provide incentives to local governments that have prepared and preserved their mangroves.

He said the conversion rate would be determined later, adding that his side would work with regional governments to select pilot project areas and identify the issues involved.

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Translator: Feru, Kenzu