The people of Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo are traditionally farmers and fishermen. They depend on the sea but often no thought is given to preserving this natural resource that is vital to the community.
In recent years the ocean has not been as rich in sea life as it once was, this is largely due to the loss of mangrove forests that act as an ideal breeding habitat for several species of marine life.
Coastal abrasion, aquaculture and agriculture are the biggest drivers of mangrove loss.
Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve is an InfiniteEARTH project. We focus on the relationship between people and nature, which is why we ensure that the local community is involved in all initiatives.
During two planting periods, December 2020 and January 2021- 55,000 mangrove seedlings were planted in degraded coastal areas close to the project zone.
Our long term goal is to rehabilitate the area in order to improve water quality and ocean biodiversity in the region. We would like to heal a ravaged coastline through mangrove forest restoration.
This initiative provides an opportunity for local stakeholders to earn an income. Seedling nurseries and the purchase of these seedings are funded through carbon credit revenues. Additionally, the planting group earns an income to grow, plant and monitor the seedlings.
Local government and community members are involved in the planting process- this of course gives them a sense of ownership and serves to educate people about the importance of preserving our fragile forests, not only because we want them to be there for future generations, but also because they are necessary to secure economic stability in the region.
We need nature and nature needs us, it's a partnership that must succeed if we hope to preserve our earth's natural resources.