Optimizing Sustainability and Community-Based Mangrove Forest Management in Ketapang, Probolinggo

Objectives

To improve mangrove ecosystem and coastal community resilience around damaged mangrove area (damaged by volcano dust) and to develop mangrove eco-tourism and information center

Background

Mangrove deforestation due to land conversion to fish ponds is still occurring in the coastal areas of Ketapang village, Probolinggo. In addition, the construction of new harbor has worsened the coastal areas to be prone to abrasion and other sea-based disasters.

Target beneficiaries

Direct beneficiaries are 30 members of the Sinar Pagi farmer organization and 20 members of the "Putri Mandiri" women's organization.

Outputs

1. 121,000 mangrove seedlings were planted with 92% growth rate to rehabilitate 9.4 ha mangrove area;
2. A mangrove information center was established, where people (especially students and local government employees came and learned about mangrove management from Sinar Pagi);
3. Brochures and flyers were developed and distributed;
4. The members of women’s group ‘Putri Mandiri’ received training on financial report and management as well as mangrove-based food processing;
5. List of students participating on mangrove planting activities was available.

Accomplishments and challenges

• A total of 120,000 A. marina and R. mucronata had been planted in nurseries (109.1% of originally proposed of 110.000 seedlings), with very high growth success for R. mucronata (>92%) and lower for A.marina (36%). All seedlings had been planted in the 5 ha land in Ketapang village (60.000 seedlings) and other 60.000 seeding in 5 ha in Pilang village. Seedlings in both villages had very high growth success, 93% and 91% respectively. In addition, 1.000 mangrove seedlings were planted by vocational high school students (SMKN 3 Probolinggo) with 90% growth success;
• The following proposed activities as mentioned on the project proposal had been fulfilled:

1. Establishment of 1 ha nursery center with the capacity of 100,000 seedlings;
2. The production of pocket books and leaflets of mangrove and climate change, printed on April 2015;
3. Coordination meeting with District Environment Office, Tourism Office, Forestry Office, Planning and Development Office as well as Climate Office;
4. Visit study to mangrove Eco-tourism center, Surabaya;
5. Development of Eco-tourism concept for Ketapang area;
6. Socialization of MFF-supported activities through printed publications and local radio "Suara Kota"

• Mangrove areas of Ketapang has a huge potential for eco-tourism since many domestic and foreign tourists visited the area for the scenic landscape and wildlife observation;
• The nursery was located far from community settlement and planting areas which required more resources for monitoring and maintenance;
• Needed more intensive support and guidance on organizational skills and financial management as well as reporting.

Contributions to cross-cutting themes

- Climate change and disaster risk reduction

121,000 mangrove seedlings were planted to rehabilitate 9.4 ha mangrove area. This activity is conducted to prevent coastal abrasion.

- Gender equality

The members of women’s group ‘Putri Mandiri’ received training on financial report and management as well as mangrove-based food processing.

- Knowledge management and communications

A mangrove information center was established, where people (especially students and local government employees came and learned about mangrove management from Sinar Pagi). Brochures and flyers were developed and distributed.

Lessons Learned

• Field facilitator who provides constant technical assistance (for instance maintenance schedule, replenishment of dead seedlings, etc.) plays a key role to the success of rehabilitation activities. In the case that nursery site is located far away from community settlement and rehabilitation site, it requires more resources for maintenance and monitoring;
• Grantee should be equipped with basic organizational and financial management skills to ensure the submission of deliverables in a timely manner and in a proper format.