On November 25, 2024, a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable mangrove and fishery management was launched in Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan. The focus was on testing a “temporary closure” strategy to manage mangrove crab populations in the region, an effort supported by PT Kandelia Alam, the Kubu Raya Local Planning and Development Agency (Bappedalitbang), Kubu Raya Forest Management Unit (KPH), and other stakeholders, including local fishermen.

Mangrove ecosystems are crucial for local communities and the environment, offering a wide range of benefits such as seafood, timber, infrastructure materials, and medicinal plants. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry, around 26,000 villages are situated in or near forested areas. However, rapid deforestation and resource exploitation have increasingly threatened these vital ecosystems, leading to a need for more inclusive management that considers community rights and participation.

Kubu Raya is home to one of the largest mangrove forests in West Kalimantan, covering approximately 129,308 hectares. The growing pressure on these ecosystems has raised concerns over the loss of vital resources and biodiversity, making the sustainable management of these areas a priority. This initiative is part of a larger effort to ensure that the potential of mangrove resources is used sustainably, benefiting both the local environment and the communities that depend on them.

The trial “temporary closure” is specifically designed to give mangrove crab populations a chance to recover from overexploitation. The method involves temporarily halting crab harvesting in certain designated areas, allowing populations to grow and regenerate before fishing resumes. This closure is not permanent and will rotate between different rivers, ensuring that fishing activity can continue in other parts of the area.

The government fully supports the initiative, which is seen as an essential step in ensuring sustainable fisheries management and preserving mangrove ecosystems. It is hoped that this trial will serve as a model for best management practices in Kubu Raya, eventually being replicated across other coastal areas in the region. In the long term, the goal is to balance ecological restoration with the livelihood needs of local communities, ensuring that the ecosystem remains resilient while providing economic opportunities.

The “temporary closure” initiative is not only a mechanism for ecosystem recovery but also an opportunity to foster collaboration between government, local communities, the private sector, and environmental NGOs. PT Kandelia Alam, in partnership with KPH Kubu Raya and local stakeholders, is committed to ensuring that this model of community-based mangrove management continues to evolve and provide long-term benefits.

The closure will be monitored through joint patrols involving local authorities and community representatives, which will also help deter illegal activities such as logging, poaching, and destructive fishing practices. Through this, the project seeks to ensure that the mangrove areas remain protected from environmental harm while the local communities thrive in harmony with nature.

The “temporary closure” initiative is just the beginning of broader efforts to implement sustainable management practices in Indonesia’s coastal areas. As part of the Nusantara Climate Initiative’s overarching vision, this program helps create a balance between nature conservation and community livelihoods, ensuring that both can thrive in a changing climate

Author: Nur Ramdhani Ikhsan

Copy Edit: Yessi Agustina; Barakalla Robyn

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