· News, CSR and the Environment
In Collaboration with Bukit Asam, Sidodadi Village Community Saves Coastal Ecosystem for the Future
Concerns have been raised about environmental harm along Lampung Bay's coast. Many seagrass beds and coral reefs are dying. Fish are losing their living space, making it increasingly difficult for fisherman to catch them.
This motivates Andi Sofyan or Aan, Head of the Bina Jaya Lestari Forest Farmers Group (KTH), to take action to repair the coastal ecosystem. With support from PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) Tarahan Port Unit, Aan takes actions to rescue the future.
Since 2022, Aan has been educating and inviting the people of Sidodadi Village, Lampung, to preserve the coastal ecosystem in the Cuku NyiNyi Ecotourism Area. Starting with planting mangroves, now Aan is also mobilizing the village community to preserve seagrass beds and coral reefs.
Mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds form a triangle of ecosystems that are critical to nature's balance and serve as breeding grounds for marine life.
"Fish lay their eggs in mangrove forests and on seagrass beds. After the eggs hatch and the fish grow in size, they will seek refuge on coral reefs to avoid predators. This coastal ecosystem triangle must be protected since it serves as a breeding ground for marine biota," said Aan.
Aan went on to remark that the benefits of protecting the coastal ecosystem triangle had not been realized in the short run. “We educate the community that working together to protect the coastal environment triad will benefit our children and grandchildren. For the future," he said.
If this coastal ecosystem triangle is preserved, fishermen will be easier to find fish and biodiversity will increase. In addition, abrasion can be prevented and the air will be cleaner. Mangroves and seagrass beds can absorb carbon, hence reducing global warming.
This environmental rehabilitation is long-term. In the future, fisherman will find it easier to catch fish, which will improve communal welfare," he explained.
PTBA Tarahan Port Unit's support is not limited to this project. PTBA also fosters Micro and Small Enterprises in Sidodadi Village to support the development of the Cuku NyiNyi Mangrove Ecotourism Area, including the formation of Unyu Shell Joint Business Group (KUBE). This shell craft business has successfully empowered 10 housewives from low-income communities. Through this program, the community has gained a significant increase in income.
"Bukit Asam not only promotes environmental conservation, but it also empowers the people. Bukit Asam fosters housewives to make crafts from shells. The community gains new skills, and the products can be marketed online as souvenirs for tourists," said Aan.
KTH Bina Jaya Lestari, in collaboration with PTBA Tarahan Port Unit, has planted 40 thousand mangrove seedlings in the Cuku NyiNyi Mangrove Ecotourism Area, covering 13.21 hectares (ha), transplanted 500 coral reef seedlings in a 1.03 ha conservation area and 850 seagrass seedlings in an 8.98 ha area.
This motivates Andi Sofyan or Aan, Head of the Bina Jaya Lestari Forest Farmers Group (KTH), to take action to repair the coastal ecosystem. With support from PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) Tarahan Port Unit, Aan takes actions to rescue the future.
Since 2022, Aan has been educating and inviting the people of Sidodadi Village, Lampung, to preserve the coastal ecosystem in the Cuku NyiNyi Ecotourism Area. Starting with planting mangroves, now Aan is also mobilizing the village community to preserve seagrass beds and coral reefs.
Mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds form a triangle of ecosystems that are critical to nature's balance and serve as breeding grounds for marine life.
"Fish lay their eggs in mangrove forests and on seagrass beds. After the eggs hatch and the fish grow in size, they will seek refuge on coral reefs to avoid predators. This coastal ecosystem triangle must be protected since it serves as a breeding ground for marine biota," said Aan.
Aan went on to remark that the benefits of protecting the coastal ecosystem triangle had not been realized in the short run. “We educate the community that working together to protect the coastal environment triad will benefit our children and grandchildren. For the future," he said.
If this coastal ecosystem triangle is preserved, fishermen will be easier to find fish and biodiversity will increase. In addition, abrasion can be prevented and the air will be cleaner. Mangroves and seagrass beds can absorb carbon, hence reducing global warming.
This environmental rehabilitation is long-term. In the future, fisherman will find it easier to catch fish, which will improve communal welfare," he explained.
PTBA Tarahan Port Unit's support is not limited to this project. PTBA also fosters Micro and Small Enterprises in Sidodadi Village to support the development of the Cuku NyiNyi Mangrove Ecotourism Area, including the formation of Unyu Shell Joint Business Group (KUBE). This shell craft business has successfully empowered 10 housewives from low-income communities. Through this program, the community has gained a significant increase in income.
"Bukit Asam not only promotes environmental conservation, but it also empowers the people. Bukit Asam fosters housewives to make crafts from shells. The community gains new skills, and the products can be marketed online as souvenirs for tourists," said Aan.
KTH Bina Jaya Lestari, in collaboration with PTBA Tarahan Port Unit, has planted 40 thousand mangrove seedlings in the Cuku NyiNyi Mangrove Ecotourism Area, covering 13.21 hectares (ha), transplanted 500 coral reef seedlings in a 1.03 ha conservation area and 850 seagrass seedlings in an 8.98 ha area.
