Jakarta. State bank BNI reported that its mangrove rehabilitation program in Banyuwangi had bore fruits.

BNI's Teluk Pangpang Mangrove Forest Regeneration Program in Banyuwangi aimsto restore the coastal ecosystem while strengthening the local economy. This is one of BNI's corporate social responsibility programs. It targets coastal areas experiencing declining mangrove cover due to coastal erosion, land conversion to fish ponds, and illegal logging activities.

The program, which had begun in August 2024 and will run until August 2027, includes nursery, planting, and sustainable mangrove maintenance. 

"BNI is committed to implementing a CSR program that has a real and sustainable impact, particularly in maintaining environmental balance while encouraging improved community welfare in coastal areas," BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo was quoted as saying in a press statement.

The Teluk Pangpang Mangrove Forest Regeneration Program embraces the creating shared value (CSV) concept. It puts emphasis on the creation of shared value between the company, the community, and the environment. BNI not only contributes to ecosystem restoration but also strengthens the corporate role in the national sustainable development agenda.

The program aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Marine Ecosystems), and SDG 15 (Terrestrial Ecosystems).

BNI involves the Baret Community Monitoring Group (Pokmaswas), coastal women and youth. The bank wants local communities to take part to maintain the sustainability of the program and foster a sense of ownership of the restored mangrove areas.

From an environmental standpoint, mangrove regeneration in Pangpang Bay has had significant impacts, including reducing coastal erosion, improving water quality, and restoring the habitat of various coastal biota such as soft-shelled crabs, lemuru fish, and migratory birds. It also functions as an effective natural carbon sink.

BNI integrates community economic empowerment through three main interventions: developing mangrove educational tourism areas, strengthening mangrove nurseries as a new source of income, and revitalizing supporting infrastructure to support the social and economic activities of coastal residents.

The bank holds various trainings and workshops related to mangrove nursery and maintenance techniques, community-based conservation, and educational tourism management. This program is expected to raise ecological awareness, strengthen social cohesion, and open new conservation-based business opportunities.

"Through this mangrove rehabilitation, BNI wants to ensure that environmental conservation efforts go hand in hand with community economic empowerment, thereby creating long-term benefits for future generations," Okki said.