This then leads to a lack of biodiversity, an unhealthy ecosystem and a inefficient restoration process. Millions of dollars are being pumped into the projects but because of monotonous management the actual goal is missed. (3) To create a sustainable mangrove forest it is again important to work together: scientists, NGO’s, locals and local governments putting their knowledge and resources together. These resources encompass the existing site conditions together with the desired and needed mangrove species to be restored for that specific location. A correct restoration approach can reduce the cost of restoration enormously. Introducing an educational program to distribute this knowledge and involve community members is important to insure a sustainable restoration and empower local communities. (3)
Ecological Restoration Approach According to R. Lewis6, there are three approaches which are used in mangrove restoration programs: 1: Hydrologic restoration with no planting 2: Hydrologic restoration with planting 3: Planting without consideration for hydrology The first method is natural and proofed to be the most successful and ecological because it leaves the seed trees or mother trees as they are and this way a natural colonization can take place. But this method is also the most time consuming. The second method is artificial but also effective and provides a quick recovery by planting young indigenous mangrove that were cultivated in the nursery. But the cost of planting may double the overall cost of the project and may limit biodiversity. Method 3 is applied most commonly and always leads to problems. Mangroves species are very fixed on their specific hydrological requirements, not all species grow according to 6
the same conditions. Planting species where they should not be is often more damaging than helpful. Most mangrove restoration of the 3rd method utilize one variety of mangrove: the Rhizophora or Red Mangrove. This mangrove is fast growing, tall and grows straight, perfect for building construction. But this leads to a monotonous, unhealthy mangrove forest. (3) The mix of mangrove species is vital in creating a robust and more natural self-regenerating mangrove forest for the future.
5_Mangroves as a framework for future urbanity Mangroves carry a undeniably high potential to deal with future growth in Banjarmasin through a coexistence of ecosystem and development. The territory goes back to its roots and the mangroves obtain a renewed responsibility. It establishes its position within current communities, the city, the country and the world. Working with the mangrove as a framework, for urban growth in the territory around Banjarmasin is a win-win-win situation. Local communities are protected, empowered, receive new sources of livelihood and can preserve and pass on their traditions related to the mangrove. The city of Banjarmasin is able to grow in a sustainable way guided by the framework of mangrove and supported by local settlements. Indonesia can invest in mangrove restoration that is truly worth the effort and the money through ecological restoration approaches enhancing the quality and the quantity of the mangrove ecosystem. Finally on the world scale, mangrove restoration in Indonesia and the other carbon sinks of the world, can help with the battle against green house gasses and reduce the effects of global warming. > Image 11+12: Port as clearance in the mangrove forest, structured by waterways and vegetation. (Source: Water Urbanism studio 2015, own designgroup.)
Wetland scientist, certified environmental professional and member of the Mangrove Action Project. He designed over 200 wetland restoration or creation projects over the whole world of which 1250 acre of mangrove restoration.