Indonesian village opts to protect mangroves, preserve livelihoods

Preserving mangrove forests is instrumental to bringing down emissions rates in Indonesia, a leading carbon polluter. Residents of Deaga village in North Sulawesi province also believe it is key to safeguarding their economy. In May, the village agreed to conserve 150 hectares of mangroves its residents depend on for their livelihoods. The conservation zone was split into four sites, some of which include coral reefs. “The destruction of the mangroves is increasingly threatening the sustainability of coastal and marine resources and their ability to support the people,” said Ruslani Mokoginta, chief of Deaga. Mangroves are semi-submerged trees and shrubs that grow in tropical estuaries. Almost one quarter of the world’s remaining stands, an area half the size of Belgium, lie in Indonesia, according to the Center for International Forestry Research, a think-tank. Mangroves also store an inordinate amount of carbon. For Deaga, protecting mangrove ecosystems will allow creatures like crabs and shellfish to flourish, aiding the local economy, Ruslani said. A newly protected mangrove forest in Deaga. Photo by Themmy Doaly Local leaders, including Deaga chief Ruslani Mokoginta (standing) at the signing of a village regulation mandating the protection of mangrove forests. Photo by Themmy Doaly Under the terms of the new village regulation on the mangroves’ protection, while logging or land conversion in the protected zone is strictly prohibited, locals will be allowed to harvest dead mangrove wood and the long, feathery leaves of the nipa palm (Nypa fruticans) for home-building. Limited harvesting of mangrove…