I’m thrilled to have been part of the NASCLIM (Nature-based Solutions for Climate-smart Livelihoods in Mangrove Landscapes) program, documenting the lives and landscapes of mangrove communities during a month-long journey across Borneo. This collaborative initiative by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Indonesia and Wetlands International Indonesia, supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), focuses on restoring and protecting mangrove ecosystems in North and East Kalimantan—areas that are home to some of the richest yet most vulnerable coastal environments in Indonesia.

“Think restore rather than just plant”

Magical Mangrove

Mangroves are among the planet’s most powerful natural climate allies. Often referred to as “blue carbon” ecosystems, they store vast amounts of carbon both above and below ground. Although mangroves cover only about 2% of the global ocean surface, they account for nearly 50% of the ocean’s total carbon storage. Even more remarkable, a single hectare of mangrove forest can hold up to five times more carbon than an equivalent area of tropical rainforest.

But their value extends far beyond carbon. Mangroves serve as nature’s front-line defense—buffering coastlines from rising sea levels, erosion, and increasingly severe storms. They are also nurseries for marine life, providing food and income for millions who depend on the sea. Protecting and restoring mangroves isn’t just an environmental mission—it’s an investment in people, resilience, and the planet’s future.

“Indigenous Peoples have faced adaptation challenges for centuries and have developed strategies for resilience in changing environments that can enrich and strengthen current and future adaptation efforts.”

Coastal Communities and Ecosystems

Through this lens, NASCLIM becomes more than a conservation project—it’s a model for inclusive climate action. It links restoration with livelihoods, gender equality, and local empowerment. In villages across the Kayan-Sembakung and Mahakam Delta, people are rebuilding mangroves while rebuilding their futures—creating new sources of income through sustainable aquaculture, eco-tourism, and small enterprises tied to the health of the wetlands.

The beauty of this work lies not just in the landscapes, but in the people—those who live in rhythm with the tides and understand that their survival depends on the balance of nature. Being present among them, listening to their stories, and witnessing their daily resilience has been a profound reminder that the fight against climate change begins with communities like these.

Every encounter has been a lesson in humility and hope. My deepest gratitude to GGGI, Wetland Indonesia and the incredible NASCLIM team for their trust and collaboration. To all who dedicate their lives to protecting mangroves—the silent guardians of blue carbon—your work does more than save the planet; it safeguards the essence of life itself.

Text and Photos by Ahmad Zamroni → An Ongoing Project