The Bulungan Regency Government emphasized the importance of sustainable management of mangrove areas.
In addition, Bulungan Regent Syarwani assessed that the mangrove landscape in his area is not just a matter of the environment, but about the future of coastal communities and the sustainability of the regional economy.
This was conveyed by Syarwani when opening the Workshop to Improve the Life of Social Forestry Business Groups, MSMEs, and Other Business Groups in the Development of Mangrove Landscape in Bulungan Regency in 2025 which was held at the Luminor Hotel, Tanjung Selor, Tuesday, October 21.
The event was attended by the Head of the North Kalimantan Provincial Forestry Service, social forestry activists, MSME players, academics, and various parties who care about the sustainability of coastal areas.
"Management of natural resources must be done wisely and not only to maintain ecology, but also to encourage the welfare of the community," said Syarwani.
Bulungan's mangrove potential is enormous. But without sustainable governance, this potential could turn into a disaster. This is not just a matter of trees, this is a matter of the future of coastal communities," he stressed.
He explained that Bulungan Regency has a mangrove landscape that is a natural bulwark fort against abrasion and climate change. However, behind that potential, there are major challenges: economic pressure, land use change, and weak management at the local level.
"Local governments will continue to strengthen synergies with social forestry groups and non-wood forest products based MSMEs to build a green economy," said Syarwani.
Through this workshop, he hopes that new strategies will emerge to increase people's productivity and competitiveness without destroying the ecosystem.
The success of this program cannot only be measured by the number of permits or the area. The size is clear: do people really feel the benefits," said Syarwani.
In addition to being a coastal buffer, continued Syarwani, mangrove forests in Bulungan are also an economic source for the surrounding community from forest honey, mangrove batik, to local food processing.
However, Syarwani reminded that the economic approach should not get rid of conservation aspects.
"The government encourages people to manage forests wisely. Not to be exploited, but to be inherited," he explained.
He also added that collaboration between the government, the business world, academics, and society is a must in maintaining a balance between economic growth and nature preservation.
Bulungan now places mangrove management as part of a major strategy for regional development. The government has prepared assistance and training programs for coastal community business groups, including strengthening the value chain of non-woody forest-based products.
Mangrove is not only a protector of the coast, but also a supporter of the green economy. If we manage properly, Bulungan will be an example of the success of sustainable development in North Kalimantan," he said.
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