Mangrove forests are natural fortresses that protect coastal areas from erosion, abrasion, and large wave attacks. Besides, mangrove forest areas help humans provide clean water and fresh air. The people in Teluk Semanting village, Derawan Island District, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan feel this.
Previously, the people of Teluk Semanting village often encroached on the mangrove forests around their village to use as plots for traditional pond cultivation. However, in line with various disasters arising from mangrove forest degradation, they agreed to restore the mangrove forest area.
In 2017, the Teluk Semanting village government issued regulations regarding establishing a mangrove forest area of 741 hectares. The same year, the community partnered to plant around 2,500 mangrove seedlings. Planting continues every year to increase the density level. To date, around 37,000 seedlings have been planted in the mangrove area of Teluk Semanting village.
Not only does it benefit from an ecological perspective, but successfully restored mangrove forests also benefit from an economic perspective. Along with the formation of the Teluk Semanting Village Mangrove Management Team, the mangrove forest was also used as an ecotourism area.
With assistance from various parties, the Teluk Semanting Village Mangrove Management Team created infrastructure and facilities to develop mangrove forest ecotourism. Finally, the Berau Regency Government inaugurated this ecotourism area on May 3, 2023.
Mangrove forests are one of the most essential ecosystems in coastal areas and are also a habitat for various marine and land biota. Sustainable mangrove ecotourism can increase fish and crab biomass and support the conservation of proboscis monkeys, which are endemic to Kalimantan Island.
Now, people are increasingly aware that mangrove areas substantially impact the defense of their settlements.
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