Yagasu Presents Achievements of the Global Mangrove Trust Blue Carbon Restoration Project to the Environment and Forestry Agency of North Sumatra Province
MEDAN, 21 September – Ecosystem restoration is not merely about planting trees; it is about rebuilding the resilience of the human communities living around them. This was the key highlight when the Secretary of the Environment and Forestry Agency (DLHK) of North Sumatra Province received an audience from Yayasan Gajah Sumatera (Yagasu), led by Program Director Anton Syahputra Siregar, M.Si.
This strategic meeting served as an important milestone for YAGASU to present (expose) various significant achievements of the Global Mangrove Trust Blue Carbon Restoration Project in Langkat and Deli Serdang Regencies, which has been ongoing from 2022 to the present. The Blue Carbon Restoration Project is a strong collaboration between YAGASU, the Global Mangrove Trust (GMT), and the Provincial Government of North Sumatra.
More Than Just Ecology, It Is About People
In its report, Yagasu emphasized that the program is designed to address two crucial aspects simultaneously: the restoration and protection of mangrove ecosystems and the socio-economic resilience of local communities.
One of the most impactful initiatives highlighted was the success of the GEARBANK program. This program successfully opened new opportunities for community members who previously relied on harvesting mangrove timber, enabling them to transition into sustainable fishers while significantly reducing pressure on the mangrove ecosystem.
Education, Protection, Silvofishery, Womenlead, and Sustainable Research
Before the Environment and Forestry Agency of North Sumatra Province, Yagasu outlined a series of conservation interventions carried out, including:
- Project Socialization: Comprehensive outreach and socialization activities have been conducted across provincial, regency, sub-district, and village levels. Numerous discussions with indigenous and village communities were held to encourage massive participation through the FPIC scheme (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent / PADIATAPA) and a Grievance Mechanism (receiving and addressing community feedback to ensure the program aligns with local needs).
- Restoration and Scientific Research: Conducting mangrove nursery and planting activities involving local communities, supported by comprehensive biodiversity inventory research to estimate the blue carbon stocks of mangrove forests.
- Inclusive Policy and Protection: Facilitating the drafting of Village Regulations on Mangrove Protection and village spatial planning, as well as establishing community-based mangrove patrol units involving KPH Region I Stabat, community patrol groups, and village members. Routine monthly patrols are conducted to curb mangrove forest degradation.
- Providing Free Social Boat: Providing safer and more affordable access to education for 55 school children in Pulau Kampai through a Free Social Boat facility, complete with accident insurance and early-stage ecosystem education. The Free Social Boat is used not only for transporting students to school but also for emergency situations, such as transporting sick communities from the island to hospital facilities and other urgent needs.
- Womenlead: Yagasu presented its achievements in empowering women’s enterprise groups. Through intensive mentoring and monitoring, women in coastal areas are now capable of producing processed seafood products and mangrove derivatives, directly enhancing their families’ economic independence.
- Development of Silvofishery Ponds: YAGASU developed traditional aquaculture systems that combine fishery practices (ponds) with sustainable mangrove forest conservation. YAGASU provides technical and management training, as well as fish, shrimp, and crab seed assistance to silvofishery pond owners, alongside marketing support to help boost fisheries’ income.
Synergy for the Future
In response to the report, the DLHK of North Sumatra warmly welcomed and praised the concrete steps taken. During the meeting, both parties agreed to strengthen future collaboration through joint agendas in the current and coming years. Future collaboration will focus on stricter ecosystem protection, community capacity building, and environmental governance aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG Achievements
Through the Global Mangrove Trust Blue Carbon Restoration Project, YAGASU and all partners have contributed to 8 (eight) SDG indicators:
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
“Resilient coasts can only be achieved if nature and its people are nurtured together.”
