Mangrove forests play a vital role in mitigating and adapting to climate change and to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of coastal communities across the world. Since mangroves ecosystem has high capacity of carbon sequestration and stock, it is an important contributor for achieving the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), by 2030, particularly through the Forests and Other Land Uses (FOLU) sector.

Indonesia has a strong commitment to mangrove conservation and restoration. Since the Paris Agreement Ratification in 2016 and at the G20 Indonesia Presidency, 2022, mangrove rehabilitation is being Indonesia’s flagship of leading by example. Indonesia, as the country with the largest mangrove area in the world (approximately 3.44 million hectares), holds a great responsibility and a significant opportunity to become a global leader in mangrove conservation and rehabilitation. 

Indonesia put more effort into mangrove conservation and rehabilitation, and prepare readiness for mangrove’s carbon assessment and the carbon trading, as one of the pathways of Indonesia’s climate agenda, which is in line with the global agenda. It is implemented through a comprehensive approach, including policy development, database, monitoring and information system development; community engagement; and development of mangrove centers.

Indonesia through Ministry of Forestry initiates the World Mangrove Center (WMC) as a platform to share its extensive experience in mangrove rehabilitation and conservation, while also fostering global collaboration to manage the world’s mangrove ecosystems. The WMC is envisioned not only as a center for research and conservation but also as a powerful promotional and communications hub to amplify the critical importance of mangroves, showcase best practices, and attract global support for rehabilitation and conservation activities worldwide. The World Mangrove Center will bring together stakeholders in a collaborative atmosphere, to advance mutual understanding, develop solutions, and share knowledge to support healthy mangrove ecosystems in facing the climate crisis and to address other relevant environmental agenda. 

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) presents a pivotal moment to promote the World Mangrove Center (WMC) as a powerful, actionable nature-based solution in the global fight against climate change. Therefore, we urgently call upon the international community to lend its full support—through financial commitments, technical collaboration, and strong policy endorsement—to realize the WMC in the one of the COP 30th agenda.