Enviro News Asia, Bandar Seri Begawan – Dr. Ristianto Pribadi, Director of Mangrove Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, recently delivered a key address before ASEAN delegates, emphasizing the vital role of mangroves in sustaining regional environmental and economic stability.
Speaking at an ASEAN event held on July 22, 2025, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Ristianto highlighted that ASEAN, with over 173,000 km of coastline, holds approximately 34–42% of the world’s total mangrove forests, positioning the region as a global leader in mangrove ecosystem management.
According to Dr. Ristianto, mangroves provide five key benefits: protecting coastlines from erosion and flooding, supporting coastal communities through marine resources, supplying non-timber raw materials, offering cultural value, and regulating climate by efficiently absorbing carbon.
Given these critical functions, he expressed concern over the ongoing degradation of mangroves in ASEAN, driven by climate change, pollution, deforestation, and urban expansion.
To address these challenges, ASEAN has taken concrete steps, including the establishment of the ASEAN Mangrove Network (AMNET) and the launch of the “Mangrove Ecosystem Management in the ASEAN Region” project, supported by Japan. As part of a broader initiative, Indonesia has also proposed for AMNET to be integrated into the World Mangrove Center (WMC), an institution initiated by Indonesia.
The WMC is envisioned as a global research hub for mangrove restoration, knowledge exchange, and blue carbon utilization.
Dr. Ristianto emphasized that successful mangrove management requires cross-border cooperation and active participation from local communities, who must serve as the primary stewards of these ecosystems.
With over 5 million hectares of mangrove forests, ASEAN holds immense potential to lead the world in mangrove ecosystem governance and to confront climate change through tangible action. (*)
