Effectiveness of The National Mangrove Restoration Program (NMRP) in Achieving Net Zero Emission (NZE) Targets in Indonesia

¹ Faculty of Law, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
² Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: wita.setyaningrum@law.uad.ac.id

Abstract

Indonesia faces significant challenges in achieving the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target within the 2024-2060 timeframe, with the forestry and coastal sectors playing a strategic role in climate change mitigation efforts. Mangroves possess a remarkably high ability to absorb and store carbon (blue carbon), far exceeding the carbon storage capacity of terrestrial forests, thus making them a vital component of national climate change mitigation strategies. In addition to contributing to the achievement of NZE, the National Mangrove Restoration Program (NMRP) also plays a central role in realizing Indonesia’s vision of a Sustainable Ocean. Mangrove restoration not only enhances carbon sequestration but also improves the quality of coastal ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and strengthens the resilience of coastal communities against the impacts of climate change, in alignment with the established Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to analyze the implications of the NMRP on the achievement of the NZE target in Indonesia, with a focus on evaluating the potential for carbon sequestration, environmental impacts, and its contribution to the national climate change mitigation strategy. The research employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches through literature review, secondary data analysis, and field surveys. The research indicates that the National Mangrove Restoration Program has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 0.5 to 1.2 million tons of CO2 per year. The rehabilitated mangrove areas are capable of sequestering carbon at an average rate of 200 to 350 tons per hectare. The analysis reveals that mangrove restoration could contribute approximately 7-12% of the national emission reduction target. The NMRP Program is a critical instrument in Indonesia's efforts to achieve the NZE target, but it requires sustained commitment from various stakeholders. The significant potential of mangroves as a nature-based solution for reducing carbon emissions represents a key strategy for global climate change mitigation.