Planting Coastal Pine and Mangroves to Prevent the Abrasion of Nesting Sites

The Satucita Foundation (YSLI), in collaboration with the Social Forestry Group (PS-HKm), has undertaken a program focuses on planting Api-Api mangroves (Avicennia spp) and pine trees at two critical locations: Ujung Tamiang Beach and Pusong Putus Beach, areas that serve as vital nesting sites for the endangered Painted Terrapin (Batagur borneoensis).

As of November 2024, a total of 2,100 trees have been planted, including 1,500 api-api mangroves and 600 pine trees. This initiative will continue into December, involving a wide array of participants, from local tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis) to community members, government agencies, village authorities, the Navy (TNI AL) Seruway post, Seruway Forest Management Unit, and private organizations like PT Pertamina EP Rantau.

The initiative aims to combat coastal erosion caused by rising sea levels

Planting Api-Api (Avicennia spp.) and pine trees has numerous environmental, ecological, and socio-economic benefits, especially in coastal areas which are protection against coastal erosion, buffer against climate change, and habitat for biodiversity, protection for endangered species, as well as economic and social benefits.

“The purpose of this tree planting activity is to reduce coastal erosion caused by tidal waves. An ecosystem will function well if every part of it is properly maintained.  If the coastline is not preserved through mangrove planting, it will significantly impact the population of endemic Painted Terrapin, which is on the brink of extinction”, said Yusriono the Head of YSLI.

Safrizal, the Secretary of PS-HKm, praised the foundation’s efforts. “Their contribution has been pivotal in safeguarding our social forestry areas from erosion. By protecting these critical nesting sites, we ensure the survival of the Painted Terrapin in the wild,” he said.

The collaborative nature of this initiative underscores the power of collective action. As Safrizal, Secretary of PS-HKm, noted, these efforts not only protect social forestry areas from erosion but also help maintain a sustainable environment for future generations. This program serves as a model for integrating conservation goals with community engagement, benefiting both human and ecological systems.

Through this initiative, Aceh Tamiang sets an example of how communities can unite to tackle environmental challenges while fostering a sense of responsibility for the preservation of endangered species and natural ecosystems.

This planting is not the first conducted by the Satucita Foundation. YSLI has previously planted pine trees to support the preservation of marine ecosystems, since pine trees offer habitats and nesting sites for birds, insects, and other wildlife. They contribute to the ecological balance by supporting a variety of coastal species.

Read: Over 1,100 Hatchlings of Critically Endangered Painted Terrapin Released into Habitat

Supported by Synchronicity Earth and the Houston Zoo, YSLI is committed to preserving coastal vegetation to sustain the habitat of the Painted Terrapin. This species relies on mangroves, which serve as their shelter and basking sites along the riverbanks.