Lambung Mangkurat University Again Implements Reforestation in Kotabaru Mangrove Wetland Laboratory
Kotabaru – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has again implemented a reforestation program in the wetland laboratory located in the mangrove forest area of ​​Kotabaru Regency, South Kalimantan. This program is part of a partnership with the local community, Sunday (11/17/2024). Vice Rector III for Student Affairs and Alumni of ULM Dr. Muhamad Rusmin Nuryadin, SE., M.Si stated that the local community is responsible for cultivating mangrove plants, which are then purchased by ULM to be planted in damaged areas.
“The community that does the nursery is then bought by us to be planted at points where the mangrove plants are starting to be damaged,” said the Vice Rector.
This reforestation was focused on Teluk Tamiang Village, Pulau Laut District, Tanjung Selayar. Rusmin directly led the planting of mangrove seedlings with the main species of mangrove and rambai, together with units under the ULM Student Affairs and Alumni Division. Around a thousand seedlings were planted involving lecturers, staff, students of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) internship program, and dozens of coastal village communities. Dr. Rusmin emphasized the importance of partnerships with the community for the success of this program.
“The community must be at the forefront in maintaining it because they are the ones who live around this land at all times,” he said.
The Vice Rector also entrusted the preservation of mangrove land in Teluk Tamiang Village to the Head of Teluk Tamiang Village, Hendra, to continue to promote reforestation with the community he fosters.
“We have made the mangrove ecosystem managed by ULM a world wetland laboratory that can be a research center for academics, educational tourism and sustainable community utilization,” he added.
The Head of Teluk Tamiang Village, Hendra, welcomed this program and expressed full support from the community. “So far, Teluk Tamiang has been known for its beach tourism, in the future we hope to add mangrove tourism which can certainly attract even more tourists,” he said.
Mangrove land of approximately 611 hectares in Kotabaru has received a Letter of Approval for Forest Utilization Business Permit Commitment (PBPH) from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to be managed by ULM starting this year. The six villages included in the ULM mangrove management area are Kemuning Village, Tanjung Pelayar Village, Tanjung Sungkai Village, Tanjung Tengah Village, Teluk Tamiang Village, and Kampung Baru Village.
ULM is the only university in the world that owns and manages mangrove land, in line with ULM’s target to become a Center of Excellence for Wetlands in the Asia Pacific region by the end of 2027.
