In 2023, the Center of Excellence for Peatland and Mangrove Conservation and Productivity Improvement (CoE Place) at Universitas Sriwijaya, located in Kayuagung, South Sumatra, carried out a significant fieldwork initiative aimed at restoring and preserving the region’s vital peatland and mangrove ecosystems. Led by CIFOR Director Robert Nasi in collaboration with Professor Rujito Agus Suwignyo from Universitas Sriwijaya, the project combined scientific research with a focus on empowering local communities to take an active role in environmental conservation. The primary goal of the project was to restore the health of the peatland and mangrove ecosystems while simultaneously improving the livelihoods of local residents who are deeply connected to these natural resources.

A key activity during the fieldwork was the planting of mangrove trees, an essential ecological function in the region’s coastal areas. Mangroves are critical for protecting the coastline from erosion, improving water quality, and providing habitats for various species of wildlife. However, rather than large-scale planting operations driven solely by external experts, the project took a more community-centered approach by empowering the local population to actively participate in the planting process. Local residents were encouraged and supported to take part in planting and nurturing the mangrove saplings in their coastal areas. This approach not only aimed to restore the mangrove ecosystem but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local community, ensuring their ongoing engagement with conservation efforts.

Alongside the mangrove planting, the CoE Place team worked to strengthen the relationship between the local communities and their environment, encouraging them to view the health of their ecosystems as integral to their own well-being. While the project did not include formal workshops or training, it emphasized the importance of local knowledge and the direct involvement of the community in hands-on conservation activities. The empowerment of local people to care for the planted mangroves ensured that the project would continue long after the initial planting, as the local population had the motivation and capacity to maintain and protect the restored areas.

The initiative was not only about ecological restoration but also about enhancing local resilience to environmental challenges. By involving communities in conservation activities, the project aimed to create a long-term impact by improving the local understanding of how mangroves contribute to climate change mitigation, coastal protection, and the overall health of the environment. The restoration of these ecosystems, particularly the peatlands and mangroves, also has significant benefits in terms of carbon sequestration, making the project an important part of climate change mitigation efforts in the region.

Through this approach, the CoE Place project aimed to establish a sustainable model for peatland and mangrove conservation that could be replicated in other parts of Southeast Asia. By combining scientific research with local empowerment, the project not only improved the health of the region’s ecosystems but also ensured that local communities had the tools and motivation to become active stewards of their natural resources. Under the leadership of Robert Nasi and Professor Rujito Agus Suwignyo, the fieldwork in Kayuagung set an example of how collaborative, community-driven conservation efforts can contribute to both environmental sustainability and the improvement of local livelihoods.

The initiative’s combination of scientific research, hands-on conservation work, and community involvement aimed to establish a replicable model for peatland and mangrove conservation across Southeast Asia. The restoration of these ecosystems also played a crucial role in climate change mitigation, with mangroves recognized for their ability to sequester carbon efficiently. Ultimately, the project sought to enhance ecological resilience while improving the livelihoods of local communities, demonstrating the interconnectedness of environmental health and human prosperity. Under the leadership of Robert Nasi and Professor Rujito Agus Suwignyo, the CoE Place initiative laid the groundwork for future collaborative conservation efforts in the region.