Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration and Coastal Community Entrepreneurship in Tanah Merah and Menipo PLN UIW NTT

Indonesia is currently facing major challenges in restoring its critically degraded mangrove ecosystems. Of the country’s total 3.3 million hectares of mangrove forests, approximately 637,000 hectares are in critical condition. Most of these ecosystems are located within forest areas and require comprehensive rehabilitation to prevent further degradation.

In response, the Government of Indonesia, in collaboration with PLN and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, plans to implement mangrove restoration activities at two locations in Kupang Regency: Tanah Merah Village and Menipo Village. The program, officially titled “Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration and Capacity Building for Coastal Community Entrepreneurship in Tanah Merah and Menipo – Kupang Regency – East Nusa Tenggara,” is implemented by the Community Care Network (JPM) Foundation in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) of East Nusa Tenggara.

The program includes the restoration of 20 hectares of mangrove forest and entrepreneurship training for coastal communities in Tanah Merah and Menipo.

The objectives of this program are to:

• Rehabilitate mangrove ecosystems to enhance coastal protection and environmental sustainability;

• Improve sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems; and

• Strengthen the entrepreneurial capacity of coastal communities.

The expected outcomes of the program include the regeneration of mangrove biodiversity, improved coastal protection, and enhanced skills and knowledge to support the development of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The main activities of the program consist of:

• Community outreach and socialization, involving community representatives in the preparation and planning processes;

• Mangrove nursery development and planting, including the production of 110,000 mangrove seedlings and planting across 20 hectares of land;

• Maintenance and monitoring, including mangrove care and periodic evaluations conducted by Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, and ;

• MSME training, focusing on farmer groups and strengthening local business capacity.

The program is planned to be implemented in two phases:

• Phase I (2024–2025): socialization, nursery development, planting, and initial training; and

• Phase II (2026–2027): maintenance, advanced training, and evaluation.

The primary goal at the end of the program period is the recovery of mangrove forests and increased local income through mangrove-based enterprises. Two persons-in-charge will facilitate program implementation, supported by the JPM Foundation’s management team.