Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Some 70 percent of the mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia are damaged due to the natural disasters and land conversion, an expert of Bogor Agricultural University, Cecep Kusmana said here on Wednesday.
"About 21 percent of 15.2 million mangrove ecosystem in 124 countries are situated in Indonesia. However now, we have lost 70 percent of our mangroves," Kusmana remarked during the 15th Thought Leaders Forum hosted by The Nature Conservancy Indonesia in Jakarta.
Mangrove was one of the most threaten ecosystems in the world, Kusmana explained during the 15th Thought Leaders Forum hosted by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia, Tuesday (12/12).
"As the most productive ecosystems in the world, mangrove has provide not only habitats for animals, such as fishes, shrimps, mollusks, monkeys, birds, and reptiles, but also that environment has produced some of services that are critical for human being," he remarked.
Therefore, the TNC Indonesia along with the environmentalists, academics, public and private institutions have launched the "Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Alliance" (MERA) as an integrated platform which is aimed to lower the vulnerability of coastal communities, protect its natural resources and vital assets, and promote an effective conservation management to restore mangrove forests, mainly in Jakarta.
"A collective action is a key to prevent more damages to the mangrove forests. We understand MERA could serve as a platform that unite as all in restoring and protecting these ecosystems in Indonesia," Rizal Algamar, TNC Indonesia country director said during the forum.
Meanwhile, Kelik Wirawan Wahyu Widodo, an expert from the Environment and Forestry Ministry expressed his appreciation on the alliance establishment.
"During his visit to Muara Gembong, President Joko Widodo has stressed the importance to protect the mangroves, and enforce the social forestry program in order to support the lives of the farmers, and other communities lived nearby the areas. I was pleased to attend this forum, and join the discussion on accelerating the mangrove conservation through the works of not only government, but also the private sectors, the environmentalist groups, the academics, and other civil organizations," the ministry's representative explained.
In order to ensure the alliance would work in accordance to the plan, an environmental expert of Bogor Agricultural University, Dietriech G. Bengen said that the ministry as well as the provincial governments should also back the programs later proposed by MERA.
"The partnerships of research centers, the civil organizations, and private sectors should be supported by a good coordination with the ministries, the public agencies at all level," he noted.
Represented the private sector, the President Director of PT Bogasari Flour Mills, Fransiscus Welirang said, his company along with other businesses would enforce more programs on replanting the mangroves at all coastal lines in Indonesia.
In its official website, "http://meraindonesia.org", the alliance has set five broad strategies to conserve and restore the damaged mangroves in Indonesia.
"MERA will develop 5 broad strategies to achieve the five-year goals by building scientific case for mangrove restoration and protection, engaging with key stakeholders to transform policies and practice, taking an inclusive and effective management for restoration, ensuring the protection and financial sustainability, arranging a strategic outreach and partnership program, and strengthening capacity to implement collaborative management of the project," the alliance stated.
Therefore, all members of the alliance are expected to support the government's program on climate change adaptation and mitigation, mainly in term of restoring the mangroves, the forum emphasized. (WDY)
70 Percent Mangrove In Indonesia Damaged: Expert
Rabu, 13 Desember 2017 14:01 WIB