Indonesian Women Drive Mangrove Restoration and Economic Opportunity

A women's group in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is leading efforts to restore coastal mangroves, creating new income streams and gaining international recognition for their community-led conservation work.

In Sarawet, a coastal village in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province, a women's group called Rhizopora is at the forefront of mangrove conservation and local economic development. Led by fisher and community leader Wisye Sahambangung, the group has worked since 2022 to revive mangrove forests and establish new sources of income for its members.

Rhizopora, named after a genus of mangrove trees, began as an initiative to improve livelihoods through environmental protection. Sahambangung, previously a recipient of government social assistance, helped establish the group after attending mangrove restoration training. The initial nine members, selected with support from NGOs Yayasan Bumi Tangguh and CARE Indonesia, focused on practical conservation. Their activities include collecting mangrove propagules, supplying seedlings, monitoring coastal areas, and teaching other villagers how to plant mangroves.

The group's work extends beyond planting. Rhizopora members engage in several income-generating activities. They sell mangrove seedlings, priced at 2,000 rupiah (about 11 U.S. cents) each, with an additional 500 rupiah for a supporting wooden stake. They also collect and sell mud crabs, which can fetch around 350,000 rupiah ($19.40) per kilogram, with some crabs exported to Singapore. Furthermore, the group runs a savings-and-loans scheme for its members, providing financial support that has enabled some, like a single mother in the group, to buy a house and start a small business.

Rhizopora has collaborated with various organizations on larger restoration projects. In an eight-month project this year, the group helped plant 30,000 mangrove trees. They also supply mangrove seedlings in bulk for corporate environmental and social responsibility programs, including those for national retail chain Alfamidi, national health insurance agency BPJS Kesehatan, and state-owned electricity company PLN. According to Sahambangung, these efforts have led to more fish in the area, with fishers reporting increased catches, demonstrating the direct link between mangrove health and local livelihoods.

The group has faced challenges, including initial criticism and limited resources, which required them to build their own office. However, their commitment has brought wider recognition. Wisye Sahambangung traveled from Sarawet to Melbourne, Australia, to speak at Women Deliver 2026, sharing the experiences of her community in protecting coastal environments. She noted that her work in a small coastal village could reach an international audience.

Healthy coastal environments, like those restored by groups such as Rhizopora, provide stable ecosystems for wildlife and sustainable livelihoods for local communities, enhancing the appeal and resilience of jungle travel destinations.