Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a high diversity of both inland and oceanic ecosystems. Along the coast, approximately 22% of the country's mangrove forests grow along the coastline and downstream rivers. There are 28 mangrove species growing in Indonesia's mangrove forests, which account for half of the world's total mangrove forests. When including supporting plants and bushes, there are 60 plant species, 20 additional plant species, and 2,000 biota, including fish, invertebrates, and epiphytic plants (Barth, 1982).
A fisherman was fishing into Dobo mangrove forest, Maluku Province .
Credit: Ady Candra / Shutterstock.com
Indonesia's mangrove forests provide significant benefits to many coastal ecosystems. The benefist of mangroves are ecologically and biologically, they serve as feeding and breeding grounds for various organisms. Additionally, mangrove forests function as nursery and spawning grounds for many marine species. Economically, they provide both wood and non-wood resources used for construction materials, firewood, pulp, food, handicrafts, medicine, and tourism, among other uses.
Mangrove forests also play a crucial role in coastal protection. They act as natural barriers against strong waves, high winds, and storms. Additionally, they help prevent beach erosion, retain sediment, and reduce seawater intrusion, thereby maintaining coastal stability and supporting marine biodiversity.
A walk tracking of Indonesia's mangrove forest
Credit: Ady Candra / Shutterstock.com
A traditional boat was sailing through Ternate waters in North Maluku
Credit: Ady Candra / Shutterstock.com
