ULM identifies 14 mangrove species in Kotabaru

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Lambung Mangkurat University's (ULM's) Academic Support Unit (UPA) for Wetland Environment has identified 14 mangrove species in the Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH) area in Kotabaru District, South Kalimantan.

"The various mangrove species were discovered during a mangrove biodiversity identification activity," said ULM Deputy Rector for Cooperation, PR and Information Systems Dr Yusuf Azis in Banjarmasin, Monday.

The 14 mangrove species identified include acrostichum aureum (sea fern), avicennia officinalis (api-api ludat), terminalia catappa (ketapang), bruguiera cylindrica (tanjang), ceriops decandra (tengar), xylocarpus granatum (nyirih), lumnitzera littorea (red teruntum), lumnitzera racemosa (white teruntum), nypa fruticans (nipah), rhizophora apiculata (oil mangrove), rhizophora mucronata (black/red mangrove), rhizophora stylosa (small mangrove), senna siamea (johar) and sonneratia alba (pedada).

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In addition, there were also 6 associated species that grow naturally in the area.

Yusuf said this species diversity shows a complete vegetation structure, from the seedling stage, stake to the tree stage.

"This is an important indicator that natural mangrove regeneration is progressing well," he said.

Mangrove biodiversity plays strategic role in maintaining the balance of coastal environment, including protecting the coastline from abrasion and seawave, serving as vital habitat for various coastal biota and supporting water ecosystem productivity.

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Yusuf pointed out that through this identification ULM hopes to provide scientific data as basis for conservation-based area management, while also rising public awareness of the importance of maintaining preservation of mangrove ecosystems.

Since mid-2024, ULM through Berkah Wasaka Mandiri Cooperative has obtained Forest Utilzation Business Permit (PBPH) for 611 hectares of Production Forest in Kotabaru.

The cooperative then, with this permit, has the right to manage the mangrove forest for carbon absorption and storage, fisheries cultivation, as a recreational or educational tourism destination and as a wetland environmental research center.

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