TARAKAN – The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) realized planting of 500 mangrove trees on the coastal area behind the Islamic Center Baitul Izzah in Tarakan, North Kalimantan province, on Wednesday, 15 November 2023. It was part of its national program to plant 10,000 mangrove saplings in a number of areas across the country as part of its commitment to reduce the carbon emissions and preserve the environment.

“By planting these mangrove trees, we hope to expand the existing mangrove forests that will function to reduce carbon emissions. We’ve done it also in other provinces, including in East Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan provinces. Its our contribution to the government’s program to plant one billion trees across the country. We from GAPKI target to plant 10,000 saplings,” GAPKI Chairman Eddy Martono said when leading the tree planting endeavor in Tarakan coastal area.

He said that by planting the mangrove trees they save the island offshore Tarakan. ”The mangrove trees will also function as a refuge for fishes and crabs. This ecosystem should be well protected to protect environment and empower the local people.”

Eddy asserted that GAPKI is strongly committed to conserving the environment and has instructed all branch offices across the country to do so. “Actually, we don’t just plant mangrove trees, but other kinds of trees as well. And also we don’t just focus on conserving the environment. But we’ve been implementing our economic programs to help empower local people economically,” Eddy said. (*)

Source: mediakaltara.com