World Ark Magazine - November/December 2008 - (Page 53)

MANGROVE By Lauren Wilcox, World Ark Contributor Return of the U ntil recently, residents of Secanggang, in the Indonesian province of North Sumatra, gave little thought to the mangrove forests that were indigenous to the estuaries and rivers around their village. Beginning in the 1990s, the forests, which typically grow thick and lush in tropical coastal waters, had been destroyed. First the charcoal industry logged the forests, and then the fishing industry converted the logged areas into shrimp farms. By 2003, nearly 80 miles of once-green shoreline had been stripped bare. “During this time,” says Mr. Supriyono, Heifer Indonesia’s planning, monitoring and evaluation manager, “the villagers thought the mangroves held no benefits to them. They did not care about the condition of the forests.” This changed when a local NGO called Paras, one of Heifer Indonesia’s project partners, learned of the situation. Paras began working with villagers to educate them about the forests’ critical role in the well-being of the shoreline and their own health and livelihoods. The forests have vast networks of underwater roots that stabilize the shifting sands of the rivers and estuaries and protect the shore and inland areas from winds, tidal surges and heavy rains. Migratory waterfowl nest in the trees, and the roots are a natural habitat for crabs and fish. Crabbing is a primary source of income for the villagers. Gradually, says Supriyono, Paras’ efforts took root. Today, there are eight community groups—nearly half the village—working to conserve and rehabilitate the forests. Group members replanted the razed areas, even contributing saplings of their own to the effort. Though only a few years old, the rejuvenated forest is thick and healthy. “If there is an elephant standing in the middle of the forest, we cannot see it easily,” says Supriyono, attesting to the forest’s new lushness. Birds play in the trees and pick fish from the waters, which are teeming with shrimp, fish and crabs. Fishermen’s crab traps are full, and area incomes have increased. In March 2008, a cyclone hit the region, destroying homes and shoreline for hundreds of miles. But in Secanggang, the damage was minimal, as the mangrove forest absorbed the brunt of the storm. The entire village has a new awareness of the importance of the forests, says Supriyono, and guards the area against illegal loggers. The forest has also brought some unexpected guests: monkeys, which occasionally show up in the village, much to the delight of the children. As one villager said, “Perhaps they want to say thank you to us, for preserving their home.” LEFT: Mangrove forests like these protect the soil from erosion and act as a buffer between tropical storms and coastal villages. The villages are also havens of biodiversity, offering habitat for fish, crabs, birds and monkeys. BELOW: Heifer Indonesia staff pose in front of a young, rehabilitated mangrove forest near Secanggang. BOTTOM: After learning the importance of mangrove forests, Secanggang villagers now work to protect them from illegal logging. Information for this story was submitted by Mr. Supriyono, Heifer Indonesia planning, monitoring and evaluation manager. www.heifer.org November/December 2008 | WORLD ARK 53 http://www.heifer.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of World Ark Magazine - November/December 2008

World Ark Magazine - November/December 2008 Contents Letters For the Record The Good Life Asked and Answered Finding Peace in Africa Sierra Leone on the Mend The Roma: A People Apart Mixed Media Heifer Bulletin Heifer Spirit Calendar First Person

World Ark Magazine - November/December 2008

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