MANGROVE PLANTING

Updated: Feb 19, 2021

InfiniteEARTH and Rimba Raya Conservation work towards protection and reforestation of a tropical peat swamp forest and degraded mangrove forests in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo.

BLUE CARBON

You may have heard of carbon, but have you heard of Blue Carbon?

According to Science Daily; ‘Mangroves store greater amounts of carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem [except peat], which helps reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

When carbon is stored in the ocean or coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, it is called blue carbon.’

This clearly makes this initiative perfect for a company whose main mission it is to keep the forest intact and help prevent forest destruction caused by agriculture. In November 2018, we planted 3.500 mangrove tree saplings and in July 2019 an additional 16,500 mangrove tree saplings were planted. This brings the total of mangroves being planted in that time frame to 20.000. In 2020 an additional 25,000 mangrove saplings were planted.

By planting mangroves, we will help sequester carbon which would otherwise be in our atmosphere and we provide vital habitat for juvenile marine species, as well as protect inland forests and soils from being eroded. This compound services component of mangroves makes them one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.

We have partnered with the Seruyan Government who hope to develop the area as a tourist

destination and who also understand the value of a thriving mangrove ecosystem.

Mangroves play an important role in preserving marine habitat. There are many benefits to having healthy mangrove forests along a coastline

Mangrove forest is typically located along the a beach or estuary of the rivers and is influenced by the tidal movements of sea water. Considering that mangroves only grow at tropical and subtropical latitudes near the equator, it is surprising to note that there are approximately 80 different species. Their prop roots help them withstand the flow of tides and slows the flow of water thus creating the perfect environment for sediment buildup.

We cannot succeed in our replanting efforts without the support of local community members and other stakeholders. We have developed a long term partnership with a planting group who are responsible for the seed procurement and growth, they also form the planting group that ensures planting is successful and regularly monitored. This partnership has economic benefits for group members, their families and the small businesses they work with.