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Mangrove Restoration

Protecting coasts, communities and climate.

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Project Summary

Mangrove forests are extraordinary ecosystems that nurture biodiversity, protect vulnerable coastlines, and store vast amounts of carbon. But they are vanishing at an alarming rate due to deforestation, pollution and climate change.

Our partner, YIARI, is restoring mangroves in West Kalimantan, Borneo, an area home to nearly one-third of the country’s remaining mangrove forests. The project puts local communities at its heart, particularly women, and combines restoration with sustainable livelihoods, organic farming, and environmental education.

Backed by a “One Health” approach, this work is not only helping to revive critical habitats but also supporting climate resilience, boosting food security, and strengthening local economies. With continued support, the project aims to plant tens of thousands more seedlings, restore degraded coastlines, and create a lasting legacy of protection for people and nature alike.

Local Partner: YIARI

Project Impact

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MANGROVE SEEDLINGS PLANTED

Thousands of mangrove seedlings have been planted in Ketapang, West Kalimantan
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PATROLLED LANDSCAPES

1,700km patrolled annually across 5 landscapes in Indonesia.

The Full Story

Mangroves are some of the most biologically diverse and environmentally important ecosystems on Earth. Found only in tropical and subtropical zones, these tidal forests provide critical nursery habitats for countless fish and crustaceans, shelter endangered species, and offer food and income to millions of people.

But their value doesn’t stop there.

Mangroves act as powerful natural defences; shielding coastlines from rising sea levels, tsunamis, storm surges, and erosion. Their dense root systems trap sediment, prevent saltwater from damaging farmland, and help stabilise shorelines. They also play a critical role in mitigating climate change by storing more carbon per hectare than any other type of forest.

Yet today, mangroves are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. In Indonesia, which holds the largest area of mangroves globally, they are being lost to deforestation, development, land reclamation, and unsustainable farming and fishing.

Restoring What’s Been Lost

In West Kalimantan, where 30% of Indonesia’s mangroves are found, YIARI is leading an ambitious and inspiring project to restore degraded coastal forests and rebuild resilience for both people and the planet.

Using a holistic “One Health” approach, the project recognises the interconnection between healthy ecosystems, animal welfare, and human wellbeing. It begins with the local community, particularly women, who are trained and employed to collect mangrove seeds, grow them into seedlings, and carefully plant them in areas where forests have been lost.

Plastic is eliminated from the process entirely. Instead of using conventional polybags, seedlings are grown in biodegradable pots hand-woven from pandanus leaves. This not only reduces pollution, but also provides an additional source of income for local families and supports gender equality.

The restoration work is complemented by organic farming training and support for sustainable livelihoods that reduce the pressure to extract resources from fragile ecosystems. These integrated efforts ensure the project builds long-term prosperity and self-sufficiency.

Measured Impact, Meaningful Change

The results speak for themselves. In a recent mangrove planting event in Sungai Besar Village to mark World Planting Day, the community restored 1,385 square metres of coastal land with 1,750 mangrove seedlings. A previous pilot saw a remarkable 76% survival rate of planted seedlings, far above the regional average.

Biodiversity is returning, fish populations are recovering, and coastal communities are reporting increased resilience to extreme weather and improved agricultural yields in protected areas.

The project has ambitious goals for the future:

Planting 60,000+ seedlings in priority areas by the end of 2025
Restoring critical coastal habitat to protect marine life and endangered species
Supporting sustainable livelihoods for women and families
Enhancing climate resilience for vulnerable communities
Capturing and storing carbon to fight climate change

Funding this project directly supports the planting of new mangrove forests, the training of local women, the production of eco-friendly seedling pots, and the education of communities in sustainable farming and conservation. Every contribution strengthens the forest, the coastline, and the lives of the people who depend on it.

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