Five journalists from various provinces in Sumatra, representing local media and national media contributors, participated in the journalist fellowship program organized by the CARE Indonesia in collaboration with The Society of Indonesian Environmental Journalists (SIEJ) from March 11-14, 2025. This program aims to disseminate the role of women in Berakit Village, Bintan District, in mangrove protection efforts and the enhancement of the local economy through the use of mangrove ecosystem products. The hope is that involving journalists in the women’s empowerment efforts in Berakit Village will inspire women across Indonesia to become more engaged in environmental conservation.
Mangrove Ecosystem Protection in North Minahasa District Through Women’s Empowerment
CARE Indonesia, in collaboration with the Bumi Tangguh Foundation, supported by the North Sulawesi Provincial Government and funded by the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), launched a program for the empowerment of coastal women and mangrove restoration in North Minahasa District on March 18, 2025. The launch event was attended by approximately 70 invited guests.
A total of 50.000 mangrove seedlings will be planted in the buffer zone of the Marine Conservation Area (MCA) in Palaes Village, Sarawet Village, and Minaesa Village. Women’s empowerment, including female fishers, will be carried out through the establishment of Women’s Economic Business Groups (KUEP) to manage mangrove-based business potentials while ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem.
Women’s Group in Berakit Village Preserves and Utilizes Mangroves
A total of 50.000 mangrove seedlings developed by the women’s mangrove conservation group in Berakit Village are steadily growing. These seedlings, which were sown in September 2024, will be planted across an area of five hectares in the buffer zone of the marine conservation area in Berakit Village. Once the mangrove seedlings have at least four leaves, they will be ready for planting, following the 1.000 mangrove plants that were previously planted.
In addition to actively participating in mangrove conservation, the women’s group in Berakit Village has also produced batik fabric using mangrove as a natural dye. This initiative is part of a training program supported by Traveloka and the CARE Indonesia. The training on utilizing mangroves as an ecoprint fabric dye is an effort to empower the women’s economic group through the Women’s Economic Business Group (KUEP).
