Silvofishery Method Boosts Farmer Interest in Mangrove Rehabilitation in East Kalimantan

A new, environmentally friendly aquaculture method is boosting local farmers' interest in rehabilitating mangrove forests in Sepatin Village, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. The silvofishery approach, which integrates mangrove vegetation into fish ponds, is helping to overcome previous reluctance among farmers to participate in ecosystem restoration.

Suwardi, head of the Forest Farmers Group (KTH) Peduli Hutan Mangrove, noted that many farmers had been hesitant to join mangrove rehabilitation efforts. Their primary concern was that planting mangroves would interfere with their existing aquaculture activities, potentially leading to reduced yields or increased pond maintenance. "I think with the conditions we are experiencing in the field, there is a slight increase in public interest to rehabilitate their mangroves because of this M4CR program and its different planting pattern," Suwardi said.

“

In 2025 to 2026, I think with the conditions we are experiencing in the field, there is a slight increase in public interest to rehabilitate their mangroves because of this M4CR program and its different planting pattern.

The previous rehabilitation programs often involved planting mangroves across large portions of the ponds, raising fears of dirty ponds and disrupted production. However, the Mangroves for Coastal Resilience (M4CR) program offers a different solution through its silvofishery concept. This approach allows aquaculture and environmental conservation to coexist, as planting is strategically done in specific areas that do not compromise the main cultivation space.

Beyond technical concerns, farmers also harbored fears about land ownership. Suwardi explained that the certainty provided by the Ministry of Forestry, assuring that participating farmers' ponds would not be forcibly seized by the government, has significantly boosted trust and encouraged more active participation. The KTH Peduli Hutan Mangrove group is implementing the silvofishery pattern across 31 hectares in 2025 and 29 hectares in 2026, with a reported 61% success rate for mangrove saplings planted in 2025.

“

Alhamdulillah, the Ministry of Forestry directly conveyed that if you participate in mangrove rehabilitation, no pond will be forcibly taken by the government.