The coast line of Maumere in Flores Island has had a reduction in mature mangroves due to a Tsunami in 1992 which devastated local areas along with loss of life. JPA-flores (Non-profit NGO) last year (2008) carried out a pilot project in a single location to plant 5400 mangroves with the assistance of local community volunteers. JPA-flores would like to replicate this successful pilot by populating a further 4 sites along the coast line of Sikka region with approximately 22,000 mangrove saplings in total.

JPA-flores are predominantly involved in sustainable livelihood projects for the local communities in and around Maumere and in discussion with the Provincial Forestry office there are numerous sites needing to be re-established with mangroves. The pilot planting received good local press along with having individuals from other communities coming into the JPA office to inquire if we could assist with their own local decimated vicinity, consequently JPA-flores are continuing with this initiative.

From the Tsunami in 1992 there are numerous sites that got stripped of the natural habitat of mangroves and it subsequently upset the coastal mangrove ecosystem, a number have been re-established by individuals working alone but considerable attention is still needed. The benefit of replanting will assist in re-establishing long term spawning grounds for fish, crab and other marine life so increasing numbers along with improved water quality, increased wild life and improved quality of life for the local community i.e. providing shade and an area for recreation. The protection from the initial mature mangroves helped to alleviate more devastation as the Tsunami wave lost some of its force on impact.

Prior to the previous planting JPA initiated a presentation to the local village head and the local volunteers for the planting to instil a conservation ethic in the local audience, this practice will be maintained whilst further enhancing the benefits of mangrove planting by carrying out presentations to the local school pupils. Who in turn could assist JPA-flores and the community volunteers in the planting activity on the respective day’s.