Building with Nature Indonesia

Written by: Susanna Tol and Indigo Janka, Wetlands International 

The Building with Nature Indonesia initiative is using a unique and integrated blend of mangrove restoration, small-scale engineering and sustainable land use to strengthen coastlines and reduce erosion.

© Kuswantoro and Eko Budi Priyanto (Yayasan Lahan Basah)

Permeable dams made of brushwood are being constructed to capture sediment, and to restore the sediment balance. Once the coastal slope has risen sufficiently, mangroves regenerate naturally which, in turn, develops a natural forest belt that protects against waves and further erosion.   In parallel, the root causes of the erosion problem are being addressed through the initiation of sustainable livelihood activities.

Read the full The State of the World’s Mangroves report here.