Understanding Mangroves, Protecting the Coastline

“We’re ready, but the teacher said the car hasn’t arrived yet,” replied one of the students when I asked. That morning, I was asking the fifth-grade students of Santa Maria Elementary School about their readiness for a field trip to the mangrove area along the coast of Fanating Village.

With 24 students, their homeroom teacher, Maria Lilis Maro, instructed them to wait patiently inside the classroom. However, as soon as the teacher returned to the staff room, the students ran outside to play, with some even rushing toward the neighbouring class, where the song “Ikan Nae di Pante” was playing during their morning exercise session.

Around 8:30 AM, a pickup truck finally arrived and parked in the slightly muddy field. With limited space, the teacher carefully arranged for all 24 students to sit in the truck bed.

After ensuring all students were safely seated, three teachers joined them in the back while some sat beside the driver. Meanwhile, I rode a motorcycle ahead to guide the way. The journey from the school to the Fanating coast took about 45 minutes, given that some roads were unpaved and had become slippery due to the previous night’s rain.

Mangrove Ecosystem Field Trip

The students’ excitement was visible as they saw the coastline from a distance. Their cheerful expressions show their eagerness to play by the beach. However, I reminded them that this field trip is not just about having fun on the beach but also about how mangrove trees grow and protect coastal areas.

Upon arrival, the students were greeted by the Thresher Shark Indonesia team. This field trip was a collaboration between Thresher Shark Indonesia and Santa Maria Elementary School, serving as a follow-up activity after a prior mangrove awareness session.

At the start of the activity, Florinda Gerimu, the Mangrove Project Lead, guided the students. She introduced them to several types of mangrove trees cultivated along the Fanating coast.

“These are some mangrove species we have nurtured, including Ceriops, Bruguiera, and Rhizophora. These seedlings are about three months old,” Florinda explained while pointing to the three species.

Florinda elaborated that the nursery process requires a suitable substrate (soil and beach sand) based on the mangrove seed type. Among the three species, Rhizophora and Ceriops were the most compatible with the coastal substrate of Fanating, while Bruguiera often failed to thrive during the nursery stage.

After learning to identify and differentiate the three mangrove species, the students were instructed to clean trash and parasites attached to the mangrove trees. This was necessary because plastic waste stuck to the trees could hinder their growth.

Waste problem is a major issue in mangrove ecosystem restoration. A broader awareness is needed, as much of the waste reaching Fanating’s coast originates from other areas and is carried by ocean currents.

Lekison Padafani, the Mangrove Restoration Officer, explained that mangroves act as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and provide a habitat for various bird species and shellfish (meting) that can be utilized by the local community.

“But when we dig for shellfish, we must be careful not to damage or break the mangrove roots,” Lekison advised.

The sun was getting hotter, and the weather was getting more intense. It was already 11 AM, so we decided to move on to the next activity: planting new mangrove seedlings.

“Who wants to try planting mangroves?” asked Esau Kamarkani, another Mangrove Restoration Officer.

“Me!” the students eagerly shouted in unison. The scorching sun did not dampen their enthusiasm. However, due to the limited number of seedlings, Esau selected a few students by asking them questions about mangroves.

The students had no trouble answering. They correctly explained the benefits of mangroves, the different types, and the right age for planting seedlings. I felt relieved, knowing that the mangrove awareness materials taught the previous week had been well understood and remembered.

Five students were chosen to represent Santa Maria Elementary School in planting the mangrove seedlings. Esau guided them through each step of the process. Although mangrove planting is relatively straightforward, he emphasized that the hole’s depth must match the substrate’s height and completely cover the seedlings roots.

“Also, we need to tear off the bottom of the polybag so the roots can grow properly. If we don’t, the roots will struggle to expand due to the plastic barrier,” Esau explained. The five selected students took turns planting the seedlings while explaining the steps to their classmates.

“Can you dig a little harder? You have a big body but weak strength,” one student teased another who was struggling to dig.

The remark only made his friend smile and reply, “You be quiet. This crowbar is heavy!”

By midday, all five mangrove seedlings had been successfully planted, making it the perfect time to end the activity. During the closing session, the Thresher Shark Indonesia team and Santa Maria Elementary School teachers exchanged words of gratitude. The pickup truck arrived shortly to take the students back to school.

“If you plant mangroves again, invite us too!” one of the students said while waving goodbye.