Rooted in community: The Story Behind Nusa Lembongan’s Mangrove Revival
In the spaces where mangrove forests have been worn down by years of coastal development, new roots are beginning to take hold—and behind it all is a community that refused to watch its coastline disappear.
Over the past few years, mangrove ecosystems in Nusa Lembongan have faced increasing pressure from development and changing land-use patterns. Not only were the trees threatened, but the entire web of ecosystem services they support: coastal protection, biodiversity, fisheries productivity, and climate resilience.
In 2022, an ecological assessment conducted by the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) revealed something hopeful. Despite mounting pressures, several mangrove patches remained intact and were regenerating naturally. In response, CTC collaborated with the Ghili Buana Community Surveillance (Pokmaswas) group, transforming science into a community-based restoration initiative.
From August 1, 2024 until December 31, 2025, under the Adopt-a-Mangrove Program, CTC and Gili Bhuana community group transplanted a total of 271 mangrove seedlings, covering an area of 1,770 square meters.
Building on the momentum, the Adopt-A-Mangrove (AAM) Program was launched to open the doors of conservation to a wider audience. What began as a symbolic seedling planting with 60 school children on Marine Protected Area (MPA) Day in 2024 has grown into a movement connecting local stewardship with international engagement. The program invites schools, visitors, corporate partners, local communities, and global supporters to actively participate in restoration efforts.
Each adopted seedling represents more than a tree—it represents shared responsibility for our planet. Beyond environmental recovery, the program is strengthening livelihoods, enhancing coastal resilience, and empowering local conservation leaders to take long-term ownership of mangrove protection.
Wayan Suwarbawa, Vice Leader of Ghili Buana Community Pokmaswas Group, said, “We hope the program will continue in the long term, as it contributes meaningfully to mangrove conservation in Lembongan while keeping us actively engaged and committed to supporting environmental conservation efforts and contributing to the Klungkung Regency Government.”
CTC has just released the full AAM Annual Report, detailing the program’s progress, community milestones, and the road ahead for mangrove restoration in Nusa Lembongan. Discover the impact and personal stories behind the movement. Download via this link for the full report to see how collective action is restoring ecosystems and building a more resilient future.
Writer: Jaling Sim
Photos: Adam Putra/CTC, Prama Sima/CTC, Dwita Krisnanda/CTC, Karenina/CTC