South Sulawesi Government Strengthens Collaboration to Preserve Mangrove Ecosystem
The South Sulawesi Provincial Government is inviting all elements of society to strengthen collaboration in protecting and preserving the mangrove ecosystem as part of efforts to tackle climate change and protect coastal areas. M Ishak Iskandar, Assistant I for Government and People’s Welfare at the South Sulawesi Regional Secretariat, stated in Makassar on Monday that mangroves have a strategic function in maintaining environmental balance while supporting the lives of coastal communities.
In addition to protecting coastal areas from abrasion and waves, mangroves also serve as a habitat for various biota, such as fish, crabs, shrimp, and birds. ‘Mangroves also have a major function in storing carbon, producing oxygen, and helping to face climate change,’ he said while attending the Simultaneous Mangrove Planting Movement in Biringkassi Hamlet, Pangkep Regency, in commemoration of World Mangrove Day.
He revealed that based on data, the existing mangrove cover in 19 districts and cities in South Sulawesi currently reaches around 10,907.35 hectares. This area is still far below the potential mangrove habitat targeted for restoration, which is approximately 124,146.84 hectares. According to him, this condition shows the magnitude of the challenge in maintaining the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. ‘The existence of mangroves still faces various challenges, ranging from land conversion, pollution, to uncontrolled logging,’ he said.
Therefore, Ishak emphasised that mangrove conservation efforts require active synergy and collaboration from all elements of society. ‘Let us make this momentum to increase awareness and real action. Planting one mangrove tree is an investment for the future, for a safer coast, a healthier environment, and a more sustainable life for generations to come,’ he said. On that occasion, the South Sulawesi Provincial Government together with stakeholders planted 7,000 mangrove seedlings as part of a nationally implemented Simultaneous Mangrove Planting Movement.