28 July 2024
Harita Nickel, an integrated nickel mining and processing technology company, organized a mangrove planting event along the coast of Soligi Village, Obi District, South Halmahera, on Saturday (July 27, 2024). The event, held in celebration of World Mangrove Day 2024, involved hundreds of students and mangrove care groups from the local village.
Harita Nickel acknowledges the critical role mangroves play in coastal sustainability, including ecosystem balance maintenance, shoreline protection against erosion, and providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna that offer economic benefits to the local communities.
Ifan Farianda, Community Development Manager at Harita Nickel, stated that this initiative is part of Harita's Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM), which includes the Harita Teaching and Mangrove Rehabilitation and Conservation projects.
“We aim to enhance community awareness, particularly among the youth, regarding the critical importance of the mangrove ecosystem along the coast of Soligi Village,” Ifan explained.
He also emphasized that the involvement of students in this activity is a crucial part of efforts to inspire the younger generation to take an active role in environmental conservation.
“In the context of global climate change, the presence of mangroves is critical. Mangroves act as natural barriers against storms and waves and are also effective carbon sinks that help mitigate climate change,” Ifan added.
Madaisi La Siriali, the head of Soligi Village, welcomed the involvement of students from SMP 39 and SMA 35 South Halmahera, along with local youth, in the mangrove planting initiative. He acknowledged that the company’s efforts can enhance understanding and raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of mangroves for the coastal ecosystem.
“We, as the village government, greatly appreciate the company’s initiative, particularly in involving junior and senior high school students in the mangrove planting activities along the coastline of Soligi Village,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Kasman La Jaani, a high school student who participated in the event, expressed his enthusiasm. “I am pleased to be part of this mangrove planting activity. It has provided me with a deeper understanding of the critical role mangroves play in our environment and our future,” he stated.
For reference, Soligi Village features a mangrove forest of 23 hectares, including 12.98 hectares of protected mangrove forest and 10.02 hectares of potential mangrove ecosystem area. The forest’s condition is currently critical due to local practices of harvesting mangrove roots for firewood.
Since 2021, Harita Nickel has successfully planted 67,691 mangrove seedlings across 23.04 hectares at four sites in South Halmahera Regency. These sites include Soligi Village in Obi District, Awango and Belang-Belang Villages in Bacan District, and Guruapin Village in Kayoa District. The company has collaborated with various stakeholders, including academic institutions, local government agencies, and community organizations.
This recent mangrove planting initiative underscores Harita Nickel’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship within its operational areas. The restoration of mangrove forests in Soligi Village is anticipated to deliver both ecological and economic benefits. Furthermore, this project aims to enhance collaboration between the company, government, and local communities in support of environmental conservation efforts
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