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
Some Iranians in Türkiye are crossing back over the border, driven by worry and desperation, as a nationwide communications blackout in Iran has left them cut off from their loved ones.
Protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians.
At the Turkish-Iranian border, many are returning with no certainty about what awaits them, filled instead with questions and growing fear for those on the other side of the border.
"I went to Van yesterday for internet. I urgently needed to use the internet. I got it done. Now I'm heading straight back. There are protests everywhere. We can't get any news. We can't communicate with our families. And it's not just me, there are many Iranians outside the country who can't reach their families," said Feriste, an Iranian citizen.
With communications blacked out across Iran, those outside the country feel powerless to check on the situation back home. For some, this silence has prompted them to return across the border, even as tensions continue to rise.
"We can't get any news. There is no internet. Everything is shut down. I want to search. I want to find out. I want to see my brother. I'm going to see my family," said Husnu, an Iranian citizen.
"I work in Türkiye, and I have no news from Iran at all. I'm going back because I'm worried about my family. It's been days since I last heard from them, and because I'm worried, I'm returning to Iran now. Of course, we are concerned about our safety. We don't know what awaits us there," said another Iranian.
With protests escalating and government blackouts still in place, many Iranians are caught between staying in safety abroad and risking everything to reconnect with their families.
"We had to come to Türkiye because we couldn't reach our families. Schools were closed already. All official institutions were shut down. We have no information about other cities either, because there is no communication network there. There is no television, no internet. We can't even check Twitter," said Nazlican, another Iranian citizen.
Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran
Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran
