Mangrove Rehabilitation and Conservation Campaign in Pohuwato District

 
Mr Ayahanda (far left), head of Mootilango village, is being interviewed about MFF activities in Tomini Bay.

Mr Ayahanda (far left), head of Mootilango village, is being ... , Mootilango village, Pohuwato, Gorontalo © MFF IUCN, 2014

Objectives

To promote the best practices of community mangrove management and to improve coastal community awareness on the importance of coastal ecosystem for their livelihood

Background

 

Mootilango village depends heavily on the surrounding mangrove forest for their daily subsistence and livelihood. The village is located within a conservation forest zone. The government has approved 50 hectares of that zone for settlement by 50 households. The government provides land use certificates to households that allows mangrove conversion into aquaculture ponds. However, since pond productivity decreased over time, rights to use the ponds were "sold" to other people. Ponds that are unproductive were often abandoned and left unused.

East Pohuwato Village is being identified as a tourist destination popular for "mangrove cafes", or restaurants inside a mangrove forest. However, the uncontrolled conversion of mangrove forests for commercial purposes is a threat to the ecosystem.

Target beneficiaries

The project will directly benefit villagers in Mootilango and East Pohuwato.

Outputs

  1. 31,000 mangrove seedlings were planted with 69% growth rate to rehabilitate 3ha mangrove area in Mootilango, Maleo, and urban forest in close collaboration with local community, local government and other NGos;
  2. MFF bulletin was regularly (every 2 months) developed and distributed to local government, NGOs, university and CBOs in Tomini Bay;
  3. Documentary film was made and displayed on local and national events.

Accomplishments and challenges

  • Mangrove planting; a total of 30,000 seedlings have been prepared in nursery, and all of them have been planted in the rehabilitation areas along the river bank of Mootilangoo river. In addition, 1,000 propagules were also planted in the same areas. The planting activities were conducted in collaboration with local school, boy scouts and youth organization. A total of 6,000 seedlings were supported by district government and NGO INVACY. The growth rate is ranging from 60 - 80%. Total rehabilitation area coverage is 3 hectares;
  • Film production has been finalized and subtitled. A further editing is required to accommodate comments from NCB members and external reviewers;
  • A total of 4 edition bulletin @ 300 sheets have been published and distributed provincewide;
  • Main  handicap experienced is related to the implementation of mangrove planting, mainly due to AJI’s limited capacity on sylvoculture (restoration) technique. This was partly resolved through a collaboration with other MFF Grantee, KSL Padakauang of Torosiaje village, which has known capacity on mangrove planting;
  • The engagement of male and female volunteers during planting activities was fairly balanced. 
 
 
 

Contributions to cross-cutting themes

- Climate change and disaster risk reduction

31,000 mangrove seedlings were planted with 69% growth rate to rehabilitate 3ha mangrove area. This will reduced risks to ecosystem health from land conversion into ponds.

- Knowledge management and communications

MFF bulletin was regularly (every 2 months) developed and distributed to local government, NGOs, university and CBOs in Tomini Bay. Documentary film was made and displayed on local and national events.

Lessons Learned

  • Training on mangrove rehabilitation provided before the project implementation can significantly increase grantee's capacity and experience;
  • A comprehensive pre-assessment in identifying rehabilitation site should be emphasized during the initial orientation session / Project Cycle Management (PCM) training: 'the opportunities for seedlings to thrive, not the number of seedlings to be planted';
  • Field facilitator who provides constant technical assistance plays a key role, especially when grantee does not have enough experience and capability in terms of coastal rehabilitation and other associated activities.

Project Facts

Country

Location

Mootilango village, Duhiadaa district, Pohuwato Regency, and East Pohuwato Village, Marisa District, Gorontalo Regency

Topic

Duration

6th May 2014 to 5th May 2015

MFF Grant Amount

IDR 194,900,000

Implementing Partner

Aliansi Jurnalis Independent (AJI) Kota Gorontalo

Jln Durian 19, Kelurahan Huangobotu, Kecamatan Dungingi,

Kota Gorontalo

Contact person: Rivon Paino (Field Facilitator)

Email: ajigorontalo@yahoo.co.id / ivolpaino69@gmail.com

Mobile: +6285340477869

 

Related Images

  • Junior high students taking part in mangrove planting
  • Buletin produced by grantee
  • MFF movie production

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