Remarkable Survival Rate of 2022/2023 Plantings
Leakage Belt Study and Expert Interviews for the 001-OxC Watershed Extension Project in Langkat
Insights from Experts on the 001-OxC Watershed Extension Project in Langkat
Written By
Global Mangrove Trust
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.
YAGASU led interviews with 70 local experts to understand the forest conditions and identify any displacement of deforestation activities. The interviews took place across five locations: Perlis, Pulau Sembilan, Sei Meran, Tanjung Pasir, and Teluk Meku. The experts included 57.14% fishermen, 20% village heads and management staff, and others were farmers, housewives, and workers who once depended on mangrove forests and ponds for income. Almost all had training in mangrove plantation, restoration, and conservation.
From these interviews, it was clear that 95.71% of the locals are concerned about Forest Law Enforcement and the repercussions of cutting protected mangrove forests. Awareness of the legal implications has led over 37% of the locals to shift to other occupations, primarily becoming fishermen. However, some still cut trees for daily needs (58.57%), construction (12.86%), and selling wood for charcoal (20%). The wood is often sold at very low prices, with 27.14% selling a canoe full for less than 100,000 IDR (around $9.25) and 20% selling for 350,000 IDR (around $21.99).
One of the main objectives of the 001-OxC Watershed project is to train local communities in conservation and provide alternative, sustainable income opportunities. This extension project will expand our efforts to an additional five villages, building on the work started in 2022 in four other villages in Langkat. By supporting and training local communities, we aim to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable livelihoods.
This project reflects our commitment to protecting the environment while empowering local communities. The knowledge and insights gained from the leakage belt study and expert interviews are crucial steps toward achieving our goals.
YAGASU led interviews with 70 local experts to understand the forest conditions and identify any displacement of deforestation activities. The interviews took place across five locations: Perlis, Pulau Sembilan, Sei Meran, Tanjung Pasir, and Teluk Meku. The experts included 57.14% fishermen, 20% village heads and management staff, and others were farmers, housewives, and workers who once depended on mangrove forests and ponds for income. Almost all had training in mangrove plantation, restoration, and conservation.
From these interviews, it was clear that 95.71% of the locals are concerned about Forest Law Enforcement and the repercussions of cutting protected mangrove forests. Awareness of the legal implications has led over 37% of the locals to shift to other occupations, primarily becoming fishermen. However, some still cut trees for daily needs (58.57%), construction (12.86%), and selling wood for charcoal (20%). The wood is often sold at very low prices, with 27.14% selling a canoe full for less than 100,000 IDR (around $9.25) and 20% selling for 350,000 IDR (around $21.99).
One of the main objectives of the 001-OxC Watershed project is to train local communities in conservation and provide alternative, sustainable income opportunities. This extension project will expand our efforts to an additional five villages, building on the work started in 2022 in four other villages in Langkat. By supporting and training local communities, we aim to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable livelihoods.
This project reflects our commitment to protecting the environment while empowering local communities. The knowledge and insights gained from the leakage belt study and expert interviews are crucial steps toward achieving our goals.
Written By
Global Mangrove Trust
