Mangrove Restoration Can Drive Indonesia's Green Economy, Says Minister

Indonesian Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat is championing mangrove restoration, highlighting its dual potential to restore ecosystems and stimulate green economic growth through international carbon trading.

Speaking at the World Mangrove Day commemoration in Denpasar, Bali, Hidayat announced the government's commitment to a national mangrove restoration movement. This initiative involves various ministries, regional governments, and local communities.

"Mangrove planting can be integrated with business activities through international carbon market mechanisms. Carbon-emitting activities can be offset through the carbon market, generating substantial funding," Hidayat explained. He noted that Indonesia has already initiated mangrove restoration projects in 162 locations across 37 provinces, engaging tens of thousands of participants.

The minister emphasized the significant carbon sequestration capacity of mangroves, stating they can absorb four to five times more carbon than typical terrestrial vegetation. This makes them a vital tool for offsetting carbon emissions from economic activities and achieving climate goals.

Future mangrove rehabilitation efforts will move beyond state budgets, seeking collaboration with businesses via international carbon markets. This approach aims to attract investment for large-scale planting, create green jobs, provide wages for local conservation efforts, and establish benefit-sharing schemes from carbon trading revenues. Hidayat revealed that several major investors have already expressed interest in financing extensive mangrove rehabilitation projects across Indonesia.

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Mangrove planting can be integrated with business activities through international carbon market mechanisms. Carbon-emitting activities can be offset through the carbon market, generating substantial funding.