Siddharth Samal

In mid-September 2024, GMT, in collaboration with YAGASU, hosted a series of co-design workshops across four villages in North Sumatra—Pulau Kampai, Pangkalan Siata, Halaban, and Salahaji. These three-day workshops aimed to engage communities in co-developing solutions to tackle the urgent challenges of deforestation while creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods.

At GMT, we remain steadfast in our commitment to making a positive impact on our planet and the communities we serve. Through our ongoing support for the 001-OxC Project, we’re thrilled to share the strides we are making in advancing silvofishery—a sustainable practice that integrates mangrove restoration with aquaculture.

In the quest for ecological restoration, every planted tree represents a beacon of hope, a breath for the planet. At GMT, we are immensely proud to spotlight the recent strides taken in the 001-OxC Project, where a monumental step forward has been made toward restoring degraded mangrove areas.

We at GMT are excited to share the recent developments in the 001-OxC Watershed Extension Project, reflecting our commitment to environmental restoration and community partnership.

Education is a cornerstone of community development, and GMT, alongside our project partner Yagasu, is excited to enhance access to education for the students of Pulau Kampai Village through our Free School Boat initiative. This practical solution is set to bridge the distance between homes and schools, ensuring that 50 students can attend school regularly.

In the closing months of 2023, the team at Yagasu has taken significant strides in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in Pulau Kampai through the establishment and support of the “Generasi Peduli” Waste Bank group. This initiative is not just about waste management; it’s a testament to the power of community engagement and sustainable practices in conservation efforts.

In the heart of our project area, the diligent efforts of the OxC Patrolling teams continue to make an impact on the conservation of Indonesia’s precious mangrove forests.

As we step into 2024, Global Mangrove Trust (GMT) proudly embarks on an impactful initiative to plant 80,000 trees across Pulau Kampai, Pangkalan Siata, and Halaban.

Silvofishery in Pangkalan Siata: A Sustainable Approach to Shrimp and Crab Farming In Pangkalan Siata village, our efforts in 2023 marked a significant stride in sustainable aquaculture, focusing on silvofishery as a part of our comprehensive 001-OxC Designed Project Activities. This initiative aimed to integrate sustainable practices in shrimp and crab farming. Key Highlights of the Project Educating and Empowering Pond Owners: We provided extensive silvofishery training to pond owners, covering the basics and complexities of sustainable farming methods, including the definition, components, benefits, and management practices of silvofishery. Land Assessment: Working closely with the pond owners, we assessed the suitability of their ponds for silvofishery. The assessment showed a main pool of 5 hectares, three connected foster pools, concrete floodgates, favorable water quality, 60% mangrove cover with species like Rhizophora and Avicennia, and overall good pond condition. Monitoring and Challenges: Our monitoring in August 2023 revealed a drop in water pH to 6.5, changes in salinity and temperature, and limited shrimp growth of only 1.5 cm over 1.5 months. We identified low-quality broodstock and Enterocytozoon Hepatopanaei (EHP) disease as the main challenges. Proactive Harvesting Decision: Due to these challenges, we decided on an immediate shrimp harvest, timed for the third week of August to coincide with the big tide season. Facility Handover and Seed Quality Improvement: We handed over pond facilities to the silvofishery group and discussed sourcing higher-quality shrimp seeds from Langsa, Aceh, to address the issues with shrimp seed development. Ongoing Monitoring Commitment: Regular monitoring will continue until harvest to ensure the development of the shrimp and the adaptation of strategies as needed. Our engagement in Pangkalan Siata reflects a deep commitment to sustainable aquaculture. By educating local communities, providing essential resources, and adapting to environmental challenges, we’re not only fostering a successful harvest but also instilling long-term sustainable practices. This project goes beyond aquaculture, aiming to create a harmonious balance between economic success and environmental stewardship.

Empowering Communities Enhancing Livelihoods and Marketing Local Products In the communities we engage with, a significant transformation is unfolding. This evolution extends beyond economic progress, embracing sustainable living and the empowerment of women, signifying a deep commitment to comprehensive community development. Protocol for Women IGA Workshops: We have initiated a program focused on mangrove-based product processing, aimed at empowering women. This program includes: Training: Women receive training on processing mangrove-based products, including understanding the ingredients and methods. Equipment Provision: In July 2023, essential equipment will be provided to start micro-businesses in Pangkalan Siata. Skill Development and Production: Post-training, the women practice their skills and begin producing mangrove-based products. Monitoring and Mentorship: Our team conducts regular monitoring to track progress and provide business development support. Marketing Support: The team assists in marketing these products on social media and helps set up online and physical stores. Silvofishery Implementations Parallel to the women’s empowerment initiative, Yagasu is also involved in developing silvofisheries: Land Assessment and Training: The process starts with assessing land for potential ponds and training local pond owners. Facility Handover: Necessary equipment for silvofishery development is handed over to the groups. Pond Preparation: We oversee the preparation and quality enhancement of ponds. Monitoring Growth: Regular monitoring of water quality and fish growth is conducted to ensure a healthy harvest. Harvesting Assistance: The team assists in the harvesting process and monitors the sales. Our initiatives in these communities are making impactful strides in economic growth, sustainable practices, and women empowerment. Through training, support, and hands-on guidance, we are helping pave the way towards a sustainable and prosperous future for these communities. This journey is not just about development; it’s about changing lives.The https://bestabdeckungen.de comes in a variety of colors, choose any Colaa at you can try these out to match your style