BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG – Growing threats to Bali’s mangrove ecosystems have prompted local residents and various community groups to take action by launching a mangrove replanting campaign. The initiative was held in conjunction with World Mangrove Day, officially known as the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed annually on July 26.

Indonesian House of Representatives Commission III member I Nyoman Parta, who initiated the mangrove planting movement at Benoa Beach in Nusa Dua, Badung, said the campaign was driven by a shared commitment to strengthening Bali’s natural environmental defenses.

He said mangroves play a vital role in protecting the environment but require a long time to grow and are not easy to cultivate.

“Taking care of nature and protecting the environment means taking care of ourselves. This must become a fundamental attitude for all of us, especially within our communities,” Parta said.

Parta said he was deeply moved by the enthusiasm of residents who participated in the activity. Participants reportedly joined after information about the event was circulated through social media, word of mouth and flyers distributed to several community groups.

“This is truly surprising, and I am deeply moved. The invitations were only shared through social media, word of mouth and flyers sent to several communities, yet people came in large numbers. The turnout was overwhelming,” he said.

According to Parta, the high level of public participation demonstrates that Balinese people have a strong sense of environmental awareness and are willing to take part in positive activities, particularly those related to environmental conservation.

Marking World Mangrove Day, Parta urged the government to strengthen conservation efforts, including accelerating the restoration of damaged mangrove areas and expanding replanting programs.

He also called on businesses operating in Bali’s coastal areas to establish mitigation measures from the outset to prevent damage to mangrove ecosystems.

“Mangroves are trees that have provided enormous benefits to us, but they are also highly vulnerable. Businesses operating along the coast must have mitigation measures in place from the beginning. We must not allow more of our mangroves to die,” he stressed.

Parta pointed out that mangroves planted as early as 2013 had yet to show significant growth. Meanwhile, trees planted in 2021 were reportedly only about the height of an adult.

Threats to mangrove ecosystems have also been highlighted in southern Bali. Suspected pollution caused by oil spills has become a major concern, as oil remaining around mangrove areas is feared to worsen the damage and cause more trees to die.

Parta urged state-owned energy company Pertamina to immediately take action to address the situation.

“If this is allowed to continue, the damage will only get worse. Based on information from mangrove conservation activists, including the Mangrove Care Forum, Rosi Sweet and others, more trees have died as they have continued to monitor the area. There is still diesel fuel underneath the site,” he said.

Parta said Bali’s mangrove ecosystems were currently showing signs of decline. In addition to the growing number of dead trees, land conversion was also identified as one of the factors threatening the remaining mangrove areas.

Despite the challenges, Parta welcomed the growing involvement of communities and volunteers in mangrove planting initiatives. He said increasing public participation was an important foundation for ensuring the long-term sustainability of Bali’s mangrove ecosystems.