Mangroves are vital coastal ecosystems in Indonesia, especially in areas like Lamongan,
where communities rely on them for marine resources. They protect shorelines from
erosion and rising seas, stabilize soil with their roots, and support biodiversity by providing
habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Additionally, mangroves filter pollutants, improve
water quality, and act as carbon sinks, helping mitigate climate change.
Unfortunately, pollution, illegal logging, and coastal development prove to be constant
threats towards these forests. If left unprotected, mangrove ecosystems may no longer
serve as nature’s frontline defense, thus leaving coastal communities and biodiversity
vulnerable.
To combat these problems and promote long-term conservation, the Aksi Bearish
Lamongan event was held on August 30, 2024 at Pantai Kutang. This event aimed to bring
together community members, schoolchildren, the local government, and private sector
partners. Jakamitra had the opportunity to collaborate with other partners such as DLH
Province Jawa Timur (dinas lingkungan hidup), Kabupaten Lamongan as a plan to take
action towards this event.
The day started with a large-scale beach cleanup, where participants collected marine
debris, plastic waste, and other pollutants from the shoreline, where the hands-on action
gave an eye-opening experience for first time volunteers. After cleaning up the beach. The
community took part in a tree-planting initiative, replanting casuarina trees (pohon
cemara), which help protect coastal zones and support mangrove restoration efforts.
These trees have properties that not only complement the natural ecosystem, but provide
additional protection from erosion. Additional educational seminars were also held to
improve villagers’ awareness towards the environmental problems.
With Jakamitra’s initiative to hold this event, they are able to achieve no.15 of the UN
sustainable goal development, life on land.
