Three Years of NHM Mangrove Programme in Kao Shows Tangible Results for Coastal Ecosystem Restoration

PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals (NHM), together with the Environmental Agency of North Maluku Province, the Environmental Agency of North Halmahera Regency, the Kao Village Government, and the Green Kaidati Community, carried out a mangrove planting activity on the coast of Kao Village, Kao District, exactly three years ago in June 2023. The activity covered an area of 0.8 hectares with a total of 600 mangrove seedlings planted in the Essential Ecosystem Area (KEE). The programme is now showing significant results. The planted mangroves have grown with a success rate of approximately 90% and have greened the Naul River area. The previously degraded area has now been transformed into a productive ecosystem and serves as a habitat for various types of wildlife. Management of this area is carried out sustainably by the Green Kaidati Community. The KEE plays a strategic role in coastal environmental restoration efforts, particularly in preventing coastal abrasion and restoring ecological functions as a habitat for aquatic biota. Prior to this programme, the coastal area of Kao Village was classified as vulnerable to abrasion and rising sea levels that threatened residents’ settlements. Through multi-party collaboration between NHM, the village government, and the regional government, the coastal environmental conditions are now showing significant improvement and are better protected. In addition to its ecological function, this mangrove area also has important value in absorbing carbon emissions and has the potential to be developed as an ecotourism area. Through the active involvement of the community, especially the Green Kaidati Community, this programme is expected to provide economic benefits while maintaining environmental sustainability. As part of the company’s commitment to sustainability programmes in the conservation sector, NHM consistently supports the capacity development of local communities. This support includes the provision of nursery infrastructure, such as the construction of a gazebo, electrical installation, sanitation facilities, and water tanks. In addition, NHM has assisted in the development of mangrove nurseries, reaching up to 4,300 seedlings carried out in stages to support the development of a nursery business with economic value. The Chairperson of the Green Kaidati Community, Zainudin Hongi, expressed his appreciation for NHM’s ongoing contribution to community empowerment and the management of the Kao KEE. He mentioned that NHM’s presence has had a positive impact, both in terms of improving environmental quality and economic opportunities through the sale of mangrove seedlings. Meanwhile, Rosmini Djufri, Environmental Superintendent of NHM’s Health Safety & Environment Department, expressed hope that this area can be well maintained so that it can have an ecological and economic impact on the surrounding community. ‘We hope this mangrove area can continue to be preserved and provide long-term benefits, both ecologically and economically for the community. NHM is committed to continuing to collaborate with local communities and regional governments in supporting environmental conservation efforts in North Halmahera Regency,’ concluded Rosmini.