Mangrove or mangrove forest ecosystems have various functions and roles for life. So how do you take advantage of the potential of mangrove forests?

Ecotourism or tourism by utilizing the natural environment as its object - such as the utilization of mangrove forest ecosystems - is one of the concepts capable of supporting the community's economy, especially in coastal areas. Associate Research Expert Center for Research and Development and Innovation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), Endang Karlina, said that to create a mangrove ecotourism area there are planning stages that must be carried out.

"There are principles that are related to the concepts of conservation and ecotourism. Having concern for the environment based on ecosystem management, planning, and can provide benefits," said Endang in an online discussion on the theme of the Importance of Mangrove Ecosystem Biodiversity, Wednesday (10/6).

Endang continued, mangrove forests have a number of potentials that can boost ecotourism in coastal areas such as primate diversity, bird species and aquatic biota, and panoramic treats. Introducing mangrove plant species to environmental conservation education, according to him, will make mangrove forest areas a potential attraction for ecotourism. "That is what we can develop potential objects in the mangrove ecosystem," he said.

Mangrove or mangrove forest area in Lubuk Kertang Village, Brandan Barat District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. (Courtesy: KLHK)

Ecotourism Development Must Have Clear Economic Benefits

Nyoman Suryadiputra from the Lahan Basah Indonesia Foundation who was also present at the discussion said that activities such as the development of ecotourism must have economic benefits that are beneficial to society and the environment. "So it's not just an instruction or a project after it is abandoned. Usually it doesn't last long," he said.

Meanwhile, the actress and founder of Seasoldier, Nadine Chandrawinata, said that the mangrove ecosystem area is often faced with waste problems. In fact, according to him, the problem of waste becomes an obstacle every time he carries out conservation activities in mangrove forest areas.

"Initially wanting to plant mangroves, the program changed to clean mangrove forests. Every time we come to the mangrove area the trash never disappears. So that is an obstacle for Seasoldier, whose goal is to expand the mangrove area," he said.

Mangroves contain medicine

If the wood is boiled with water, the boiled water (extract) can be used as a slimming drug, anti-diarrhea and anti-vomiting. Furthermore, shredding the wood, if applied to a new wound, can also stop bleeding.