Project Updates

As the GearBank pilot progresses in four villages in North Sumatra—Halaban, Pulau Kampai, Salahaji, and Pangkalan Siata—early findings indicate strong community interest and promising engagement from former loggers exploring alternative livelihoods.

In the coastal villages of North Sumatra, where the sea meets the roots of ancient mangroves, entire communities have depended on the forests for generations. But with few economic alternatives, many families have been forced to cut down the very trees that protect their shores, sustain their fisheries, and preserve biodiversity.

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.

In July 2024, Global Mangrove Trust (GMT), OxCarbon, and Marex traveled to Medan for the launch of the Free School Boat programme for students in Pulau Kampai.

In March and April 2024, GMT collaborated with YAGASU to map leakage belts and conduct expert interviews for the 001-OxC Watershed project in North Sumatra. This initiative aimed to gather direct insights from local experts and village authorities about deforestation activities—both planned and unplanned—that might occur within these leakage belt areas.

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.