Sustainable Mangrove Management and Polyculture System Development at Karangsong, Indramayu Regency, West Java

Objectives

The project aims for sustainable management of a mangrove ecosystem to continue the environmental and economic benefits received by local communities. In particular, the project will:

1. Develop a mangrove nursery ('seedbed') with a capacity of 50,000 trees, to be used for planting in at least 10 hectares of silvofishery ponds in the project site;

2. Use mangrove polyculture to maintain the ecological function of mangrove forests (particularly preventing coastal erosion);

3. Provide additional income to the Pantai Lestari Karangsong Women's Group, by introducing boneless fish processing (milkfish) as alternative livelihood activity;

4. Establish a partnership with Marine and Fishery Office of Indramayu Regency and the NGO Siklus Indramayu, to get technical assistance and new technology related to mangrove polyculture;

5. Implement the village regulation mandate for "Management of Mangrove Protection Area of Karangsong Village" (Village Regulation No 02 of 2009).

Background

In the past, Karangsong village communities thought that mangrove areas do not provide direct economic benefits. Consequently, mangrove forests were converted into other use, such as fish or aquaculture ponds. Because of this conversion, at least 127.30 ha of beach was eroded in Karangsong village.

More than 60% of the Karangsong coastal areas have been converted into fish ponds farming during the last 3 decades. In addition, another 10% has also been used for community settlement. This land use changes resulted into unfavourable condition for local communities, including coastal abrasion, more regular floods and salt water intrusion.

The long term purpose of the project is sustain the ecological function of mangroves in Karongsong village. Mangroves offer protection from waves and typhoons, and can prevent coastal erosion. Mangroves also act as a nursery for various marine life, especially fish, shrimp, clams, and crabs. The project also considers the present economic needs of the villagers, in particular improving the livelihood 

Silvofishery is the main strategy used for mangrove sustainable management in the project site. The project will use the mangrove nursery ('seedbeds') as a source of seedlings for the silvofishery ponds. In addition, the project aims to provide additional income to the members of Pantai Lestari Women's group (through boneless fish processing).

Target beneficiaries

Karangsong Village fishers and the Pantai Lestari Karangsong Women group 

Outputs

1. 50,000 mangrove seedlings were planted along riverbank and pond’s dyke;
2. Polyculture system was applied on 1 Ha fish pond. On the first harvest (March 2015), the production reached up to 1,265 kg with the total income IDR 22,770,000. The second production  (October 2015) resulted in 5,354 kg fish, the total income generated was IDR 123,142,000;
3. Women’s group (20 members) received training on boneless milkfish production. They had started selling the products on the local market and took order as well ;
4. More than 2,000 students of high school and universities took part in cross-learning and mangrove planting activities.

Accomplishments and challenges

50.000 mangrove seedlings were successfully planted in an area around 5 hectares.Mangrove species with high probability to grow well is rizophora stylosa (90%), while the probability of avicinnea is medium (60%). Mangrove replanting and maintenance will keep continuing minimum in the next three years.

In demonstration pilot of milkfish polyculture, 1,265 kg fish were produced (from 6,000 fingerlings deployed), where each fish weighs around 400 grams. The price is IDR 18,000/fish. From the deployment of 4 tons of seedlings, 8 tons of seaweed was harvested, while 3 tons still remained on the pond.  

The main challenges are coastal abrasion, high tide and strong current that damage or drift mangroves away to sea. Some people still cut down mangroves for firewood, but the number is not significant and this is still preventable. 

Apart from activities supported by MFF, the community group is currently implementing nursery of 26,000 seedlings supported by provincial Fishery Office, and development of eco-tourism facilities supported by national petroleum company, PT. Pertamina.

The existence of Village Regulation No. 02 Year 2009 on the management of mangrove areas in Karangsong village, which specifically mentioned that KSM Pantai Lestari has full right to manage the area, has been very instrumental in developing the sustainable use planning for the area.

Contributions to cross-cutting themes

- Climate change and disaster risk reduction

50,000 mangrove seedlings were planted along riverbank and pond’s dyke. The mangrove planting will improve the resilience of coastal community to environmental change.

- Gender equality

Women's group took part on the training as part of ways to improve livelihood of people at Karangsong.

- Knowledge management and communications

Through shared lessons and experiences, people are more aware on the importance of coastal ecosystems for future generations.

Lessons Learned

• Good communication with the local government will secure the land use for rehabilitation site (through the development of village regulation) in a long period of time and give full access to grantee/community organization to manage the area.