Preventing Coastal Erosion through Mangrove Replanting in Probolinggo District

Objectives

The project aims to rehabilitate the neglected ponds in Randutatah village, Paiton, Probolinggo through mangrove planting to prevent the severe coastal erosion (abrasion), in cooperation with the community group Pantai Harapan Mangrove Group. 

Background

Coastal erosion has narrowed the coastal line and threatens the community housing area. Residents of Randutatah village decided on planting mangrove trees to reduce the effects of coastal erosion in their village.

Moreover, abandoned shrimp ponds built from 1990s have caused abrasion along the coastal areas of the proposed site, resulted in the damage of buildings and other community assets. Most mangrove areas have been converted into shrimp ponds.

Target beneficiaries

The project will directly benefit 1,672 residents in Randutatah village. 

Outputs

1. 100,000 mangrove seedlings were planted with 90% growth rate to rehabilitate 4.8 Ha mangrove area;
2. Community group was developed and actively participated on project implementation process – mangrove rehabilitation;
3. Women’s group participated on mangrove-based food processing training conducted by other grantees (Sinar Pagi and Sido Agung);
4. Women’s group members participated on interactive discussion organized by grantee in close collaboration with MFF.

Accomplishments and challenges

• A total of 25 group members participated during the initiation of the project, and the number kept increasing;
• A total of 100,000 seedlings (40,000 A. marina, 40,000 R. stylosa and 20,000 R. mucronata) had been prepared in the nursery with the growth success ranging from 92-96%. All seedlings had been planted in the rehabilitation sites. The growth level was ranging from 89 to 91%;
• According to the Probolinggo District Regulation No. 3/2011, the restoration areas of ISES in Randutatah village is located on the Local Protection Areas/Coastal Buffer Zone. Undocumented support from Head Village indicated that the local government fully supported the restoration programme, and guaranteed that wouldn't be conflict of land ownership from other parties in the future;
• Good grasp and knowledge on the mangrove rehabilitation techniques and experiences.

Contributions to cross-cutting themes

- Climate change and disaster risk reduction

100,000 mangrove seedlings were planted with 90% growth rate to rehabilitate 4.8 Ha mangrove area. The mangroves planted will prevent coastal erosion the area.

- Gender equality

Women’s group participated on mangrove-based food processing training conducted by other grantees (Sinar Pagi and Sido Agung) and interactive discussion organized by ISES in close collaboration with MFF.

Lessons Learned

• Clarity of land status is the minimum requirement for long-term activities such as mangrove planting/rehabilitation. Planting on public land needs to be equipped with written agreement from the relevant authorities that the plants should not be cut down and the status of land use will not change;
• Village regulation development should consider every step in the process and encourage the active participation of the community.