Watch the first episode of HSBC Philantopedia podcast: Mangrove, roots of resilience

We are proud to launch a podcast series that will share compelling stories and insights from our diverse philanthropic programs. Immerse yourself in this episode that will highlight the collaborative efforts of HSBC Indonesia and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) in supporting the preservation of mangroves as the forefront coastal fortress. Click the video to watch the podcast!

Learn more about this partnership‘s actions to restore mangroves in the following article.

Mangroves are the true nature’s unsung heroes—silent yet immensely powerful, shielding the coastlines from storms, providing habitats for diverse wildlife, purifying water and air, and storing vast amounts of carbon. Yet, in many regions, including Bengkalis Island, mangrove forests are gradually disappearing, posing a severe threat to the environment and the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

Mangroves grow along the coast, where the land meets the sea. Their unique roots stick out of the water like sturdy natural supports. When strong storms or big waves hit, these roots help slow down the water and soften the impact. They act as a natural shield for the homes and land behind them. On top of that, mangrove forests offer a safe and comfy home for all kinds of creatures—like fish, crabs, shrimp, and coastal birds.

Mangroves do more than just protect—they’re also great natural filters. They trap dirt and pollutants from the water, helping keep a healthier marine ecosystem for aquatic life (and for us too!). Beyond that, mangroves are also amazing at storing carbon, making them the key player in the fight against climate change. Their roots also help hold the soil in place, dampen the waves, stopping it from washing away with the tides.

But when mangrove forests are damaged or lost, the effects can be serious. On Bengkalis Island, for example, cutting down mangroves has caused major erosion—about 3 meters of land disappearing every year. And it’s not just the land that’s vanishing, beyond that, the natural capacity to store carbon plummets, heightening the risk of more extreme climate shifts.

Addressing this challenge, the Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) launched the Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Alliance (MERA) program in Teluk Pambang Village, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province. Between 1990 and 2019, this region lost over 1,207 hectares of mangroves (42 hectares per year) or equivalent to 1,724 FIFA-standard soccer fields.

MERA goes beyond mere replanting, but also prioritizing holistic mangrove conservation. Through Natural Climate Solution (NCS) and Community-led Conservation (CLC), the program actively engages local communities from planning to execution. Residents are not just beneficiaries but key conservation actors.

The results are tangible. After three years (2022–2024) of NbS implementation in Teluk Pambang and supported by HSBC Indonesia, YKAN achieved significant milestones. A 96% reduction in mangrove deforestation, from 27 hectares/year (2016–2021) to just 1 hectare/year (2022–2024).

This success came down to two main things: first, the creation of village regulation to protect mangroves, along with a social forestry permit that covers 950 hectares. Second, the use of a community-based approach (CBM) that really got local people involved in taking care of the mangroves. Community participation grew fast—starting with just 5 people, and now there are 170 locals actively working in Village Forest Management Institution (LPHD). And it’s not just about numbers; people also have a better understanding and care now of why protecting mangroves matters.

Thanks to this program, mangrove destruction has slowed down, more people are helping take care of the forests, and the coastal ecosystem—one of the best natural carbon absorbers on the planet—is starting to bounce back. This success shows that solutions based on nature and community involvement really work and can be used in other places too.

The MERA program reflected HSBC’s commitment to supporting the efforts to help mitigate climate change while also making local communities stronger. Restoring mangroves isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about creating a greener, more resilient, and more inclusive future for nature, for all of us, and for the generations ahead.