A New Breath for the Coast: Weaving Ecology and Economy Through the LIFE Program
Nature always has a way of healing itself, but our concrete actions can accelerate that recovery. Through the achievements of the LIFE Program, YAGASU does not merely plant trees; it reweaves the fabric of coastal ecosystems while empowering the communities living alongside them. This program is a concrete realization of our conviction: a sustainable environment must serve as a catalyst for prosperity for the people who protect it.
Caring for the Earth, Greening the Coast
Through collaboration with LIFE, Yagasu planted 70,212 mangrove trees and 30,000 fruit trees in Seuriget Village and Sungai Pauh (Langsa – Aceh) under the 2024–2025 program cycle.
To ensure that every seedling grows into a sturdy coastal shield, we conduct intensive ongoing monitoring as an evaluation metric to sustain the survival rate of the planted mangroves.
As a post-disaster recovery effort following the flash floods and landslides in November 2025, YAGASU carried out replanting activities to restore the impacted ecosystems.
Replanting after flood
Empowered Together with Nature: Building a Green Economy
Continuing to focus on these two villages (Seuriget and Sungai Pauh), LIFE and YAGASU are also developing Income Generating Activities (IGA) to support the livelihoods of coastal residents and contribute to climate solutions through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Through capacity building initiatives, we equip communities with practical skills so they can achieve economic independence without exploiting nature.
We have conducted various innovative training programs for the community, including :
- Specialized training for silvofishery cultivation groups.
- Training on mangrove-based food processing (mangrove food).
- Training on fruit-based food processing (fruit food group).
Beyond training groups, the Yagasu team continuously accompanies community groups by monitoring production and sales activities. The team also organizes comparative study visits (benchmarking) among groups to share knowledge and develop their respective enterprises. These efforts are further reinforced through product exhibitions to support market access for community products across diverse audiences.
Passing the Torch of Awareness to Future Generations
Preserving nature is a long relay race that must be continued. Recognizing this, YAGASU brings this conservation mission into classrooms through the School Awareness Program. A total of 262 students have actively participated in five educational events we organized. Furthermore, 152 students in our target areas received direct field education on mangrove restoration and waste management. We hope these children grow up with full awareness that the mangroves in their villages are life-saving protectors worthy of enduring care.
The journey of the LIFE Program proves that every seed we plant today is an investment in future harmony and prosperity. Let’s protect nature for a better future!
