Blue Carbon Mangrove (BLUCAM) – Blue Carbon Farming Initiative: Rehabilitation of Coastal Area in Balikpapan, Indonesia
By Aldi Fauzan Akbar, Jovey Mae Domingo, Zhenqi LI, Soo Yeon YOO
The Blue Carbon Mangrove (BLUCAM) initiative proposes a comprehensive strategy to enhance mangrove restoration efforts across Indonesia, starting with a pilot project at the Margomulyo Mangrove Center in Balikpapan, near the new national capital (IKN). While Indonesia holds 21% of global mangrove coverage, many local centers, including Margomulyo, face operational challenges despite existing national support. This proposal introduces a dual-approach strategy incorporating funding diversification and local community engagement to supplement current government initiatives. The pilot project at Margomulyo targets the restoration of 18 hectares with 18,000 trees over 18 months through innovative funding mechanisms combining corporate partnerships and individual donations, while fostering community participation through capacity building and economic incentives.
Following successful implementation, BLUCAM aims to expand this model to other mangrove centers across Indonesia and globally, strengthening blue carbon sequestration efforts and supporting Indonesia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
