A mangrove protection project is making great strides as it helps cut carbon emissions, boost local circular economic growth and allow marine wildlife to thrive on the northern coastline of Indonesia's Java Island.
The project is launched by the "Java 7 Powerplant", the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly thermal power plant in Indonesia and a joint venture between China Energy Investment Corporation and Indonesia's state-owned electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara.
Mangrove protection helps reduce carbon emissions. The mangrove protection project started with planting 5 hectares of mangrove seeds eight years ago. Now, it's a 20-hectare mangrove forest that is home to diverse wildlife that also helps with reducing carbon emissions.
"The mangrove forest is very efficient in absorbing carbon. It can reduce carbon three to five times better than an average tropical forest," said Zhou Xianglong, deputy general manager of a joint venture between China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. and PT Pembangkitan Jawa Bali - a subsidiary of Perusahaan Listrik Negara.
The mangrove forest also delivers a range of environmental benefits. It can naturally purify seawater, which allows non-seawater wildlife like the monitor lizard to grow and thrive in the area. It also acts as a shield from coastal erosion, and a barrier for typhoons during the monsoon season. Moreover, it also produces food that could be processed into economic food that boosts local circular economy.
"These mangrove fruits can be processed into many kinds of food that can be sold by local merchants. With that, this will enhance the circular economy for locals living in the area," said Tumpal Sirait, director for general affairs of Guohua Taidian Pembangkitan Jawa Bali, an operations and maintenance services company for the Java 7 Powerplant.
In addition, the mangrove offers a temporary home for migrating birds and marine mammals as they travel long distances during the change of seasons and also provides a permanent home for marine wildlife that will protect the biodiversity of the ecosystem.
As part of the ongoing efforts, in February this year, another 30,000 mangrove seeds were planted, inching closer to Indonesia's ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2060.
Mangrove protection project jointly launched by China, Indonesia contributes to environmental protection
