Expanding Green: Trees4Trees’ Planting Season 2024 – 2025

Expanding Green

As our 2024-2025 planting season officially began in December 2024, the seedlings distribution process is now in full swing. New green leaves flourishing in our nurseries, reflecting the dedicated and meticulous work of our nurseries’ team. Together with our field team, they are currently busy distributing those seedlings to thousands of local farmers who serve as our tree-growing partners.  

This season, we aim to plant over 5.3 million trees by engaging nearly 20,000 local farmers across 17 regencies, covering over 200 villages. Additionally, we are also expanding our tree-planting efforts to Bali Island and the Citanduy watershed in West Java, while further advancing mangrove forest restoration in Cilacap, Central Java.   

Together with our supporters, we are focusing on tree-planting initiatives that help restore river watersheds, combat drought and water scarcity, enhance urban areas, and rehabilitate degraded mangrove forests. This season, 34 tree species are being planted, which are expected to improve the environment and benefit local communities. Below are our tree-planting initiatives for this season and the environmental challenges we aim to address through these efforts. 

distribution seedling
(Above) Our nursery team is busy loading seedlings. (Below) The enthusiastic local community in Kebumen receives seedlings.

Expanding Green

Expanding Watershed Restoration 

River pollution and watershed degradation pose significant environmental challenges, significantly affecting those who rely on these critical resources. This is especially true for the Citarum River, where we have been actively engaged in reforestation efforts. 

Since 2020, we have planted nearly 8 million trees in the Citarum watershed to support government-led restoration initiatives. “Our goal is to plant 20 million trees by 2028 across five Citarum sub-watersheds: Cisangkuy, Ciwidey, Cirasea, Ciminyak, and Citarik,” said Trees4Trees Director, Pandu Budi Wahono. 

Over 2.5 million trees have been planted since early January, with a goal of 4.6 million trees in total this year. These efforts, supported by 17,000 local farmers, aim to reforest 177 villages across Bandung, West Bandung, and Sumedang Regency. The ten species being planted include both fruit and shade trees, contributing to watershed restoration, revitalizing greenery, and preventing disasters, especially landslides. 

This season, our restoration efforts are expanding beyond the Citarum watershed to new areas. These include planting over 50,000 trees in the Citanduy watershed in Tasikmalaya and over 18,000 in the Sangianggede watershed in Jembrana Regency, West Bali, to protect water sources essential for the traditional Subak irrigation system.  

Expanding Green
Seedlings are prepared carefully in one of our nurseries to reforest the Citarum watershed.

Expanding Green

Restoring the Degraded Cilacap Mangrove Forest 

In the 1990s, Ujung Alang Village in Cilacap Regency, Central Java, faced massive mangrove deforestation due to irresponsible land conversion for aquaculture ponds. To help the mangrove forests recover, local communities have been replanting mangroves for these past two decades. During 2022 to 2024, we contributed to the efforts by planting 24,750 mangroves across 7.4 hectares in the Kampung Laut District. 

This season, we plan to extend the initiative by planting 120,000 mangroves across 50 hectares. Four mangrove species consist of Avicennia, Rhizophora, Bruguiera, and Ceriops will be planted, as they naturally thrive in the area. The planting will follow the silvofishery concept, integrating fishery with mangrove reforestation.  

“This approach aims to provide economic benefits to local communities, with mangrove crab farming scheduled to coincide with this year’s planting efforts, as most local communities are interested in mangrove crab farming,” Yoga, the Trees4Trees Cilacap Unit Manager revealed.  

seedling
Mangrove seedlings are grown in our nursery partner managed by the local community. These seedlings are ready for Cilacap mangrove planting project.

Combating Drought and Water Scarcity  

Many of our planting areas experienced annual drought and water scarcity, significantly impacting the well-being of local communities living nearby. Villages in Kebumen, Pati, and Boyolali Regency in Central Java, Gunungkidul in Yogyakarta, Cidaun in West Java, and Bojonegoro in East Java are among our planting areas frequently affected by these issues, especially during the dry season.  

“When the dry season arrives, many areas, including our tree-planting sites in Bojonegoro, suffer from water scarcity as most water sources dry up. We aim to help local communities address this issue by planting trees that thrive in dry-prone areas,” said Khoirum Minan, the Trees4Trees Unit Manager responsible for the Bojonegoro project. 

Planting Trees
Despite the scorching day, the tree-planting in Bojonegoro recently have successfully conducted supported by companies to combat water scarcity and drought.

To continue in combating these challenges, this season we plan to plant 530,000 trees across 40 villages in five regencies in Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java, engaging over 2,000 local farmers. Additionally, in Cianjur Regency, West Java, we are building on last year’s success of planting 50,000 trees by adding 15,000 more trees to support local communities in developing long-term solutions to combat water scarcity and drought. 

Expanding Green
The exciting face of local communities in Kebumen (above) and Boyolali (below) receiving seedlings during planting season this year.

farmer

More Green Spaces in Urban and Industrial Areas 

The presence of urban forests amidst the bustling of cities and industrial areas offers numerous benefits. Tree-lined parks, greenways, sidewalks, and other vegetation in urban settings improve the air, water, and soil quality, reduce noise and pollution, and mitigate the effects of global warming. These improvements help prevent disasters like flooding and maintain the overall health of the urban environment. 

Recognizing these significant benefits, we launched our urban forestry tree-planting initiative in 2022 and have since planted over 60,000 trees. This season, we are focusing on increasing green spaces in urban and industrial areas. Since December 2024, we have planted 22,300 trees in the Bekasi and Karawang industrial regions, with more to come throughout the season. This initiative is expected to help reduce temperatures, combat air pollution, and enhance water and soil quality in these industrial zones. 

“As the soil around industrial areas is marginal, our initial step is to plant fast-growing trees before introducing other tree species. We collaborate with companies in the urban forestry initiatives this year and hope to inspire others to contribute,” said Pandu Budi Wahono. 

planting event
Urban forest tree-planting in the industrial area of GIIC, Bekasi.

Working Together with Partners and Local Communities 

This season, we are deeply grateful for the support of companies partnering with us in our reforestation mission. Together with local communities, we are working toward a shared vision of a healthier Earth. “Over eight companies are supporting us this season, and we hope more will join,” said Pandu Budi Wahono. Companies play a crucial role in reforestation efforts, not only helping to restore the environment but also demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, aligning with their core values. 

tree planting event
Tree-planting volunteers from companies helped to plant trees in urban areas of GIIC in Bekasi, West Java.

As climate change reaches alarming levels, collective action is more important than ever. With collective efforts of individuals, governments, organizations, and companies in tackling this crisis, we can address environmental challenges and create a healthier planet for future generations. Trees4Trees invite you to join us in this mission! You can donate trees,  plan a tree-planting event, or support our tree-planting initiative to make a lasting impact on the environment.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Kemas Duga Muis, Yulianisa Dessenita, Trees4Trees Field Team

Our 2024 Achievements Together with Our Partners

Our 2024 Achievements

2024 was a remarkable year for the environment in one part of the world. Together with our supporters, we advanced our efforts and achieved significant strides in greening rural and urban areas, including improving drought-prone, water-scarce, and erosion-prone regions, and enhancing industrial areas through urban forestry tree-planting initiatives. In collaboration with coastal communities, we also expanded our efforts to establish green belts by planting more mangroves. 

As we close the chapter on 2024 and look forward to 2025, we extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals, companies, and organizations that contributed to our green initiatives this year. Your generous support as sponsors, donors, and volunteers has enabled us to achieve remarkable milestones, and we are excited to share them with you! 

Our 2024 Achievements

 

These accomplishments represent a significant milestone for us, as this initiative is not only about planting trees but also about restoring forests both in rural and urban areas, rejuvenating rivers and preventing them from siltation, restoring degraded lands in the industrial areas, preserving biodiversity, and empowering local communities, including young farmers.   

Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to expanding our tree-planting efforts across various regions in Indonesia and are excited to continue this journey with you. The Trees4Trees planting season is currently underway and will extend into early 2025. This year, we are broadening our initiatives to include Bali Island and planting additional mangroves in Cilacap, Central Java, with the aim of achieving even greater impacts on the environment, local communities, and the economy. Through our commitment, we aspire to double the trees we plant in the next two years.  

Want to make a real impact on the earth this year? Join us in our reforestation mission! Together, help the environment and nurture life on our planet!  

For more details, please reach out to us at info@trees4trees.treesforplant.com or directly click here Plant Trees with Us! 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani

Microsoft’s Green Initiative: Expanding Urban Forests in West Java

Microsoft’s Green Initiative: Expanding Urban Forests in West Java

In Cikarang, West Java, the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) is starting to be crisscrossed with corridors of green. Over the past two years, Trees4Trees has been working with Microsoft and One Tree Planted to regreen this urban area, by planting trees and engaging communities in reforestation efforts. These trees will be joined by new growth in the weeks ahead, as part of a new chapter in the ongoing story of regeneration in Cikarang.  

In November 2022, the tree-planting initiative kicked off in the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) in Bekasi and the Karawang International Industrial Center (KIIC) in Karawang. As two of Indonesia’s biggest industrial hubs, both locations have to contend with serious environmental issues, from air pollution and rising temperatures to soil degradation and subsidence.  

With more than 40,000 trees planted between 2022 and 2023, both have seen positive changes over time, with more improvements ready to take root in the months ahead. From December 2024 to February 2025, an additional 20,000 trees are being planted, further enhancing the urban environment with nature-based solutions. 

Trees
Trees planted during 2022 and 2023 are already thriving.

Restoring soil, reviving the ecosystem 

The primary goal of the latest tree-planting program is to conserve water and soil. Several species of shade trees will be planted over the next few months, including burflower (jabon), albizia, suren, and black-wood cassia (johar). “We intend to plant 14,500 trees in the GIIC, and more in community lands around the KIIC,” explains Pandu Budi Wahono, Director of Trees4Trees. 

“Industrial areas tend to feature marginal lands characterized by nutrient-deficient soils,” he says. “To address this issue, Trees4Trees focuses on planting fast-growing shade trees that are both well-suited to poor soil and able to improve it over time by recycling nutrients. Restoring soil health and reviving the ecosystem is our top priority,” he added. 

Pandu and Arina
Pandu Budi Wahono (left), Trees4Trees’ Director presents a tree-planting certificate to Arina Dafir (right), Microsoft’s Community Affairs Manager – Southeast Asia.

A new chapter in the story  

To kick off the next phase of Microsoft’s ongoing urban forestry initiative, a tree-planting event was held on November 22, 2024, at GIIC, Cikarang. The event involved Microsoft’s stakeholders and staff, with over 100 volunteers working together to plant 600 new trees. “We want to be part of the community, and we’ve brought together all the different stakeholders today to support this program,” said Arina Dafir, Microsoft’s Community Affairs Manager – Southeast Asia. 

One of these stakeholders is the Nusantara Academy, represented by Erick Hadi, the founder of the academy. He confirmed they are committed to promoting environmental awareness: “it’s great to see a lot of companies today sending representatives to do something good for the Earth,” he said at the event. Kentaro Miyashita, GA Admin Advisor of Jaya Obayashi, who also volunteered for this event, said “I hope events like this will continue in the future, encouraging more people to join, providing them with opportunities to think more about the global environment.” 

Planting event
(Above) Erick Hadi, founder of Nusantara Academy, one of Microsoft’s key stakeholders, is excited to join the event; and (below) Microsoft’s key stakeholders come together hand-in-hand for tree planting.

Microsoft’s Green Initiative

Impact and inspiration: Working together with local communities 

The event demonstrated Microsoft’s wider commitment to creating lasting impacts, both on the environment and in local communities living near the data center in GIIC. “In addition to tree planting,” explains Microsoft’s Community Engagement Lead for Indonesia, Dania Pratiwi, “Microsoft has also undertaken other initiatives including providing local communities with access to clean water, community empowerment funding for school infrastructure development, and digital skills improvement,” she said.  

Tree Planting event
Not only adults, but also children, under their parents’ supervision, volunteered to plant trees.

Microsoft’s Green Initiative

“It’s truly inspiring how Microsoft invites the community to work together for a better environment,” said Danastri Widoningtyas, Program Manager of Yayasan Rumah Energi, one of Microsoft’s community partners. Happy Syarifudin, from the GIIC Community Relations department, also noted that Microsoft’s initiative has already inspired some other companies to follow their example. “I believe in the coming year more companies will engage in similar initiatives,” he said. 

‘Responsible neighbors’: Microsoft Global Sustainability Goals 

Through an ongoing process of urban forest expansion, Microsoft aims to achieve lasting impacts that align with their global sustainability goals. To support this mission, Microsoft is continually looking for new ways to give back to nature and engender a more sustainable, better-connected society. 

“Supporting programs like this is an investment in the future,” explains Arina Dafir, Microsoft’s Community Manager – Southeast Asia, “because the trees that we plant today will continue to benefit nature and communities for many years to come. We are striving to be good, responsible neighbors to the communities we live with and the environment we operate in.” 

Highlighting the visible green impact of the tree-planting initiative on the industrial area, Happy Syarifudin, representing GIIC management, expressed his sincere gratitude to Microsoft and Trees4Trees for their collaboration. “This marks the third year of Microsoft’s urban forestry initiative. We hope this program will continue to expand, bringing greater benefits to both the environment and the local community,” he said. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita & Kemas Duga Muis/Trees4Trees 

Expanding Green Spaces: Urban Forestry in Gunung Putri, Bogor

Expanding Green Spaces: Urban Forestry
(Above) Local volunteers at the tree-planting program in Bojong Nangka Village, Gunung Putri District

Gunung Putri District is located near Bantar Gebang, home to West Java’s largest landfill site. Like many other areas on the outskirts of Jakarta, Gunung Putri struggles with a range of environmental problems, from air pollution caused by traffic jams to overpopulation, unchecked residential development, and the disappearance of green spaces. During the dry season, a lack of tree cover makes the region unbearably hot, and when the rains arrive there is flooding caused by poor drainage and soil erosion.  

But look a little closer, and green shoots of progress are beginning to break through the concrete of Gunung Putri. Supported by One Tree Planted (OTP), Trees4Trees has teamed up with local communities to rejuvenate the local environment with an urban forestry program. By replanting and raising awareness, these activities are helping mother nature in Gunung Putri (meaning ‘Princess Mountain’ in Indonesian), rediscover her former beauty. 

Planting Trees
(Above) A key feature of the program was outreach in schools, designed to engage the younger generation in nature preservation and demonstrate the benefits of a greener environment.

Nurturing the next generation 

Earlier this year, the urban forestry program from Trees4Trees and One Tree Planted kicked off in nine villages spanning Gunung Putri District. Planting activities targeted public spaces, privately owned land, schools, and universities. The aim was to regreen the local environment, while also helping reduce pollution and provide some relief from the heat. Another key objective was raising awareness of environmental issues in local communities. 

“Today we planted trees at SD Negeri Nagrak 04 (a local elementary school),” says Agus Susanto, one of several local volunteers in Nagrak Village who helped to plant teak, jabon, durian, jackfruit, and mango trees. “We would like to thank One Tree Planted and Trees4Trees for their support in planting trees in this village, including in this school,” he added.  

Focusing on schools was a key feature of the program. The objective was to instill the younger generation with a passion for nature preservation and demonstrate the benefits offered by greener surroundings. “Hopefully the trees we have planted will grow strong and make this school a greener place to be,” said Agus. “I hope the students can also see the benefits, making the school shadier and cooler, so they can study in comfort.” 

Fsrmers
Planting activities covered a range of places in Gunung Putri District, including schools, private lands, and public park. Providing community benefits.

Expanding Green Spaces: Urban Forestry

In nearby Bojong Nangka Village, the joint planting program mixed timber and multi-purpose trees, including mahogany, trembesi, pulai, jabon, and gmelina, which have wide canopies and are able to provide shade in public spaces. Other multi-purpose trees included durian, mango, clove, avocado, and petai, which have the potential to provide local communities with an alternative source of income.  

“This afternoon was amazing,” explains Amir Arsyad, the head of the village, following the planting activities. “On behalf of the residents of Bojong Nangka Village, we would like to thank Trees4Trees for providing assistance in the form of seedlings – hopefully they will grow well and provide benefits to the environment around us.” 

Trees
(Above) Keep on truckin’: T4T and OTP have delivered 12,000 new trees to locations in Gunung Putri District, including here, on the campus of Trisakti Nagrak

The multiple benefits of tree planting 

The One Tree Planted program has already planted around 12,000 trees in Gunung Putri District this year. With support from Trees4Trees and local communities, this urban forestry project aims to rejuvenate local ecosystems, reduce air pollution, provide shade, reduce soil erosion, improve water retention, sequester carbon, and build the awareness of environmental protection among local communities. 

Amir Arsyad is one of many participants in the program who has seen the benefits of this development and is now committed to nature restoration. “When we protect nature, nature will protect us,” he explains, before noting it is the community’s responsibility to care for their surroundings. “If not us,” he says, “who else will protect the nature around us?”   

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Rusmanto Manulang/Trees4Trees

Trees4Trees Joins Forces Youth: Reviving Fire-Affected Lands of Merbabu Mountain

Trees4Trees

It still resonates in our minds that last 2023 was marked by unusually hot days. According to several studies, it was recorded as the hottest year in global temperature since this data was first recorded in 1850. The year was also impacted by El Niño, a natural climate warming phenomenon that can affect global weather. Climate change exacerbated the effects of El Nino in 2023  leading to prolonged droughts and heatwaves, which triggered severe wildfires in various regions, including Indonesia. 

One of the major events linked to the phenomenon was the wildfires that devastated several forests in Indonesia’s mountainous areas, with over 140 incidents recorded throughout the year. Merbabu Mountain in Central Java Province suffered some of the worst damage, with over 480 hectares of forest burned. The fire was allegedly caused by natural leaves friction, although human actions like discarded cigarette butts or burning trash may have also played a role. 

Read also: Weathering the Storm: Natural Solutions to El Nino 

A Year After the Wildfire: Youth Community Reforests Fire-Damaged Area 

One year has passed since the devastating wildfire on Merbabu Mountain in October 2023. It destroyed much of the forest cover, including valuable vegetation, such as edelweiss, cantigi, and tree species like puspa, pines, cinnamon, and wilodo. While some parts of the forests have been reforested, other fire-affected areas remain barren. This has motivated the youth community of the Executive Student Board (BEM) Diponegoro University to take action, mobilizing youth communities to restore the land by planting trees.

Trees4Trees
Diponegoro University students went to an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level together to plant 500 trees in the fire-affected area of Merbabu Mountain.

Collaborating with Trees4Trees, they organized a tree-planting event through an annual environmental program, Gerakan Aksi Tanam Pohon (GESIT) or the Tree Planting Action Movement. The event took place on October 20, 2024 – exactly one year after the wildfires struck. 

“Aligned with our program in conservation, we initiated this tree-planting activity. In total, 70 volunteers from twelve faculties joined as tree-planting volunteers to help the environment, particularly by reforesting fire-affected areas,” said Jania, a student of Diponegoro University and coordinator of the tree-planting activity. 

Green Action
Three species of trees were planted in the area: puspa, cinnamon, and wilodo, all the characteristic trees of Merbabu.

A Green Collaboration to Recover the Environment 

Together with Trees4Trees, the Gen Z volunteers planted 500 trees along the Thekelan hiking trail on the slope of Merbabu Mountain, in Getasan District, Semarang Regency.  

“This tree-planting aims to support ecosystem recovery, allowing the trees to produce more oxygen to benefit all living beings. This small action reflects our care as young generations for the environment,” said Izza, a Diponegoro University student and leader of the Conservation and Disaster Division. 

As part of its mission in education and sustainability promotion, Trees4Trees provided volunteers with essential training on tree-planting techniques and preparations a week before the event. Danang Pambudi, a Trees4Trees forester who led the training, emphasized the importance of sharing tree-planting knowledge with young people. “We hope this education encourages them not only to plant trees at this event but to continue planting more in the future, wherever they can,” he said. 

Aksi Hijau
Trees4Trees’ forester was presenting the tree-planting technique to the tree-planting volunteers.

Why Is It Important to Plant Trees in the Fire-Affected Area? 

Danang revealed, Trees4Trees supported the tree-planting event by providing three species of trees: puspa, cinnamon, and wilodo, all of which are characteristic of Merbabu Mountain. Some of them were diminished during the wildfire. 

“We selected the trees to fit the existing ecosystem. Merbabu is the natural habitat for these species, and by planting them, we help restore the ecosystem. In fact, the puspa tree is even fire-resistant,” said Danang. He also emphasized that if fire-affected areas are left neglected, they will eventually recover on their own. Birds and wind will disperse the seeds of native trees naturally, encouraging regrowth, but it takes time. “By planting these characteristic trees in their natural habitat, we help to accelerate ecosystem recovery. Additionally, we also help enhance carbon sequestration, contributing to fight climate change,” he explained. 

Penanaman
Each tree was planted in 30 cm depth with 3 meters distance from each other to ensure their growth.
Empowering Youth through Trees4Trees Youth4Change 

Trees4Trees‘ involvement in this collaborative tree-planting event was backed with the aim to raise awareness about environmental preservation among the young generation. This initiative is part of the Trees4Trees Youth4Change program, designed to empower youth to express their concerns and take action for a greener planet. 

Trees4Trees
Trees4Trees Youth4Change collaborates with 70 students of Diponegoro University to make an environmental impact in the Merbabu tree-planting

Hatta Iskandar, the Trees4Trees Fundraising Manager, noted that Youth4Change offers opportunities for youth to engage in impactful actions for environmental preservation. “We are excited to collaborate with young communities, especially in tree-planting activities. We hope to continue this collaboration in the future and involve more youth in the green movement,” he stated. 

In the other hand, Danang emphasized the younger generation holds the key to a sustainable future. “It’s vital to cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility in young people. By supporting positive initiatives and sharing knowledge, we can inspire a deep commitment to protecting our planet,” he said. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photo: Yulianisa Dessenita & Doc. BEM UNDIP 

Trees4School: Empowering Children to Protect Semarang’s Coastal Ecosystem

Trees4School

Mangunharjo and Mangkang Wetan are two villages in the Tugu District of Semarang City, located in the northern coastal area of Central Java. Situated on the edge of coastal areas facing the Java Sea, the villages frequently experience tidal flooding.  

During the rainy season, or when tidal waves rise and strong winds blow, the villages are inundated by floodwaters. Sometimes, the flooding reaches the chest height of adult people, making children particularly vulnerable as the environment around them becomes unsafe for playing or even going to school. 

Modern development exacerbates tidal flooding 

In the past, the coastal areas of Semarang were dominated by agricultural land and surrounded by mangrove forests. However, with the onset of modern development, excessive exploitation and land conversion into industrial and residential areas have placed a heavy burden on the coastal area.  

The expansion of industrial areas causes land subsidence and the loss of natural barriers, as mangrove forests have been deforested. These issues then triggered coastal erosion and tidal flooding, harming the well-being of the local communities living nearby, including children.   

Mangrove Planting
Trees4Trees along with volunteers from universities, companies, and government officials planted mangroves to support mangrove restoration in Mangunharjo coastal area.

Children vulnerable to tidal flooding’s impact  

Living in the midst of a tidal disaster-prone area, children are the most vulnerable group affected by these conditions. When tidal flooding occurs, inundated houses, roads, and even schools disrupt their studies, hinder their way to school, and limit their freedom to play around.  

“When the tidal flood high, there many students who cannot attend the class for days because their homes inundated with flood as well as the access from their homes to school,” Slamet, the headmaster of Mangkang Wetan 01 Elementary School revealed. 

Slamet believes that coastal environmental protection should be taught to children from an early age to prepare them with the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate the impact of tidal flooding and reduce its severity. 

Trees4School
Students at Mangkang Wetan 01 Elementary School were engaged in the mangrove education session led by Trees4Trees and the Lanang Wadon community.

Trees4School

Trees4Trees initiated a coastal protection and mangrove education at school  

To provide children in both villages with essential knowledge on coastal protection and mangrove conservation, Trees4Trees organized an educational event through its Trees4School program. Coinciding with National Children’s Day on July 23rd, the event was held at Mangkang Wetan 01 Elementary School. 

The event was also part of the Trees4Trees Planting Festival, held in June 2024, where 2,000 mangroves and 100 coastal pine trees were planted in the Mangunharjo coastal area. This initiative supports the local community’s efforts to restore mangrove forests as natural barriers against tidal flooding. 

planting mangrove
The planting of mangroves brings renewed hope to the Mangunharjo coastal area, as they protect against tidal surges.

“Most of the children in Mangunharjo and Mangkang Wetan villages attend this elementary school. Since this area is prone to tidal flooding and is surrounded by mangrove covers planted by the local community in recent years, we believe it’s important for children to understand the value of caring for mangroves as natural barriers for their homes,” said Slamet. 

In collaboration with the Lanang Wadon Storytelling community, Trees4School included a storytelling session about the superpowers of mangroves. The session highlighted how mangroves sequester carbon dioxide at a rate 10 times greater than other trees, help stabilize the Earth’s temperature to prevent the worsening of global warming, provide habitat for coastal biodiversity, and most importantly, protect coastal areas from storm, erosion, and tidal flooding, which the children experience annually. 

Trees4School
Slamet, the headmaster of Mangkang Wetan 01 Elementary School, thanked Trees4Trees for educating the students on coastal issues.

“Through the Trees4School program’s coastal ecosystem and mangrove education, we aim to instill an early understanding of coastal preservation in children. Previously, we planted mangroves along the shoreline, and by engaging children in interactive activities such as games, storytelling, and short films, we hope to inspire them to protect mangroves and coastal ecosystems. Healthy mangrove forests contribute to robust coastal ecosystems, safeguarding their homes, schools, and their parents’ livelihoods,” said Adi Gani, Trees4Trees Project Manager. 

Read Also:Trees4Trees Planting Festival, Celebrating 16th Reforestation Journey 

Interested in supporting environmental education for the next generation? Sponsor the Trees4School program along with your tree donations. In addition to implementing Trees4School in our project areas, Trees4Trees offers hands-on tree-planting experiences and valuable environmental knowledge to students in public and private schools. Contact us to get involved! 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita