Located close to Segara Anakan lagoon in Java’s Cilacap Regency, Ujung Alang Village was once covered in mangroves. In the 1990s, the region experienced massive deforestation, mostly because of land being converted for aquaculture ponds. 

In the last two decades, local residents have been helping the mangroves bounce back. A conservation area has been set up and has since become a hub for studies and research into the natural world.  

Now, with support from Trees4Trees, mangrove restoration in Cilacap is going up a gear. An ambitious new replanting project has provided the investment and manpower needed to give the ecosystem a new lease of life. 

Healing the wounds of the past 

Before 1994, Ujung Alang and was covered with mangrove forests. These trees were then cleared by investors to make way for shrimp and milkfish ponds. This venture lasted just four years; by 1998, the ponds had been abandoned.,  

Virtually overnight, the investors cut their losses and left town. But not before leaving their mark on the landscape. Thousands of hectares of mangrove forests had been cut down and turned into barren land.  

In 2000, local communities decided to act, and made a plan to restore the mangroves to their former state.  

Working together to restore mangroves 

Over the past decade, local communities, with the support of the government and various other supporters, have successfully planted 56 different species of mangroves in an area covering approximately 400 hectares. Trees4Trees has committed to supporting these ongoing efforts. 

In early 2023, working in collaboration with the Tani Krida Wana Lestari farmer group, Trees4Trees began replanting an area of 2.4 hectares around Ujung Alang. So far, we have planted more than 7,600 trees together. 

“Deforestation of mangrove forests in Segara Anakan has led to a significant reduction in mangrove area and caused a decline in fish catches,” explains Armin Agung Mubarok, the Trees4Trees Impact Officer and coordinator of the mangrove project. “By restoring the mangrove ecosystem, we aims to restore the habitat as a nursery ground for crustaceans and other animals, thereby enhancing biodiversity in the region,” he added. 

Haryadi is the Trees4Trees GIS officer on the project., He experienced a number of challenges in clearing away the old growth to make way for new mangroves. As he explains, “clearing the areas of weeds is crucial, as they hinder the growth of the mangroves.”  

Restoring natural balance to the ecosystem  

After the weeds had been cleared, Trees4Trees focused on planting four different mangrove tree species, each one chosen to match the unique conditions of their environment.  

In areas less affected by the tide, large-leafed orange mangroves (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) were chosen, due to their ability to thrive in areas where there’s not much saltwater. They can also do well in both shady and sun-baked areas. 

In tidal areas that are regularly flooded, tall-stilt mangroves (Rhizophora apiculate) were planted, as they thrive in wet, muddy soil. Red mangroves (Rhizophora mucronata) were chosen for inundated areas, where they can grow and thrive. 

Finally, seedlings of spotted mangroves (Rhizophora stylosa) were planted throughout the area, to improve the diversity of species.  

Next steps: Taking replanting to the next level 

This small-scale pilot project, was an opportunity to test out planting methods before launching a more ambitious program. Over the next five years, Trees4Trees intends to scale up these efforts and continue planting mangroves to restore mangrove cover.  

“Based on the trial we conducted, we were able to plant 3,500 trees per hectare,” says Haryadi, who is working to turn initial impact into long-term reforestation. “Over the next few years, our goal is to plant mangroves over an area of 1,000 hectares.“

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander