Enviro News Asia, Kuala Lumpur – The Director of Mangrove Rehabilitation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, Ristianto Pribadi, emphasized the importance of sustainable mangrove management to maintain ecosystem balance and promote economic growth.
Ristianto conveyed this message at the ASEAN forum on mangrove rehabilitation, the Seminar on Sustainable Mangrove Industry: Harnessing Biodiversity for Economic and Environmental Prosperity in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (February 17, 2025).
“Mangroves are coastal guardians that play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. In addition to serving as habitats for various species, mangroves also act as natural buffers against climate change, coastal erosion, and extreme weather,” said Ristianto.
He explained that mangrove ecosystems possess high biodiversity and serve as natural nurseries for various species of fish, crabs, and shrimp, contributing to the global food chain. Additionally, mangroves can absorb significant amounts of carbon, making them an essential part of climate change mitigation efforts.
According to Ristianto, Indonesia has 3.44 million hectares of mangroves, accounting for approximately 23 percent of the world’s total mangrove area, making it the country with the largest mangrove coverage globally. Regionally, ASEAN countries host around 40 percent of the global mangrove ecosystem, which spans approximately 14.8 million hectares.
Furthermore, he highlighted the economic opportunities of a sustainable mangrove industry, including ecotourism, sustainable fisheries through silvofishery schemes, and the production of mangrove honey and wood. One particularly promising potential is the development of mangrove carbon credits, which allow conservation and restoration efforts to generate carbon credits that can be traded on international markets.
However, Ristianto also warned of various challenges that must be addressed, including illegal logging and land conversion, the impacts of climate change, and a lack of public awareness regarding the importance of mangroves. “Strict regulation enforcement, the promotion of alternative livelihoods, as well as education and awareness campaigns are crucial to preserving this ecosystem,” he added.
In closing, Ristianto emphasized that a sustainable mangrove industry can serve as a solution that links biodiversity conservation with economic prosperity. “Through the ASEAN Mangrove Network, let us work together to ensure that mangrove ecosystems continue to thrive, benefiting communities and contributing to global climate change efforts,” he concluded.
