Indonesian Rhizopora Supplies 30,000 Mangrove Seedlings for Corporate Projects

Rhizopora Supplies Mangrove Seedlings for Restoration

Rhizopora, a women's group based in Sarawet, North Sulawesi province, Indonesia, supplied 30,000 mangrove trees for various restoration projects this year. Led by Wisye Sahambangung, the group focuses on coastal ecosystem protection and community economic development.

Rhizopora actively collects mangrove propagules and seedlings, monitors coastal areas, and supports environmental initiatives.

Their efforts this year included significant contributions to corporate environmental and social responsibility (ESR) programs, with major clients including national retail chain Alfamidi, Indonesia's national health insurance agency BPJS Kesehatan, and state-owned electricity company PLN.

Seedling Pricing and Diversified Income Streams

The Rhizopora group sells mangrove seedlings at a price of 2,000 rupiah per unit. For planted projects, an additional 500 rupiah is charged for each wooden stake used to support the seedling, bringing the total cost per planted unit to 2,500 rupiah. Beyond seedling sales, Rhizopora members generate income through other activities.

They collect and sell mud crabs, which can fetch around 350,000 rupiah per kilogram. Some of these crabs are transported to Manado, the provincial capital, before being exported to markets such as Singapore. The group is also developing new products, including soap made from mangrove materials, and is currently processing the necessary business and product registrations.

Community-Led Conservation Since 2022

Established in 2022, Rhizopora originated from a local fisheries and marine affairs office training program aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting environmental conservation in Sarawet. Wisye Sahambangung, a fisher and conservationist, helped found the group and now leads its activities.

Rhizopora operates in collaboration with non-governmental organizations Yayasan Bumi Tangguh and CARE Indonesia. The group's work extends to teaching other villagers how to plant mangroves and reviving local mangrove forests, which are vital habitats for crabs and fish—primary income sources for many coastal communities.

This community-based model aims to create sustainable economic opportunities for women while protecting critical ecosystems.

Implications for Sustainable Sourcing in Asia

For procurement teams and project developers in Asia seeking to integrate ecological restoration or carbon offsetting into their building projects, sourcing from community-led initiatives like Rhizopora offers a direct pathway to achieving environmental and social governance (ESG) goals.

The group's established process for supplying mangrove seedlings, priced at 2,000 rupiah each, and its track record of planting 30,000 trees this year, demonstrate a viable supply chain for natural materials.

Engaging with such groups ensures materials for coastal protection or green infrastructure projects also support local livelihoods and community development, providing a measurable social impact alongside ecological benefits. Buyers can specify these direct community-sourced materials for their projects.