Aramco Asia Singapore Managing Director Fai K. Aldossary said: “At Aramco, we strongly believe in protecting and restoring habitats to achieve sustainable development and protect the homes of local communities. We are pleased to be working with our partners and local communities in Indonesia to further expand our mangrove conservation efforts in Southeast Asia.”
GEC Director Faizal Parish said: “The partnership with Aramco Asia Singapore, Yayasan Gambut, Buruk Bakul Village Government and Sekat Bakau has enabled us to build community awareness on the importance of conserving and protecting the mangrove and coastal ecosystem; establish a community nursery to support the planting activities; and promote several alternative livelihood options to reduce pressure on the use of mangrove resources. When communities understand the role and ability of mangroves to protect their homes and improve their livelihoods, they will be empowered to lead their own conservation and preservation efforts in the long-term.”
YG Director Mulyadi said: “The project activities are in line with the aspirations of the Indonesian government on the management of mangrove and coastal ecosystems towards an integrated and sustainable program.”
Sekat Bakau Community Chairman, Khaidir M. Alim, expressed his gratitude to Aramco, GEC, YG and stakeholders for their support. “We hope this will prompt many others to join us in restoring and conserving the mangrove and coastal ecosystem in Buruk Bakul area and Bengkalis District.”
Besides Indonesia, Aramco is also working with GEC in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Vietnam, on mangrove conservation and protection programs to share and replicate best practices across the region.
1Paramita, E., Rifardi, R., & Feliatra, F. Analysis of the Level of Abrasion on the Coast of Bukit Batu Sub-District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau. Jurnal Perikanan dan Kelautan, 27(3), 319-327.
