In the coastal village of Sarawet, Indonesia, community leader Wisye Sahambangung has spearheaded a women’s group that restores vital mangrove forests while creating new economic opportunities for local women.
- Women’s group Rhizopora planted 30,000 mangrove trees in eight months.
- Mangrove restoration supports crab fishing and seedling sales, boosting incomes.
- Community-led conservation gained recognition from local to international levels.
What happened
Since 2022, Wisye Sahambangung has led Rhizopora, a women’s group in Sarawet, North Sulawesi, committed to restoring mangrove forests and supporting the local economy. The group collects mangrove seedlings and propagules, plants trees, monitors coastal areas, and educates villagers on conservation. Partnering with NGOs such as Yayasan Bumi Tangguh and CARE Indonesia, Rhizopora helped plant approximately 30,000 mangroves during a dedicated restoration project in 2026.
Beyond environmental work, Rhizopora engages in economic activities including selling mangrove seedlings, trading mud crabs that are exported overseas, and developing new products like soap made from mangrove materials. These ventures provide women in the village with important income opportunities, helping to improve their livelihoods while fostering a sustainable relationship with the coastal ecosystem.
Why it feels good
Rhizopora's work has brought both environmental and social benefits to Sarawet. By restoring mangroves, the group helps protect a habitat that supports crabs and fish — crucial resources for local incomes. Their efforts demonstrate how community-led conservation can align with economic empowerment, especially by creating roles and revenue streams for women who historically had limited access to such opportunities.
The group’s progress has garnered recognition beyond their village, raising Sarawet’s profile nationally and internationally. Wisye’s leadership has taken her and her group’s story to global forums, showing that grassroots environmental work can inspire broader audiences and encourage similar initiatives elsewhere.
What to enjoy or watch next
Rhizopora continues to explore new ways to support their community and environment. Their ongoing initiative to bring mangrove-based soap products to market promises to add a fresh dimension to their income sources and sustainability efforts. Watching this development unfold offers a glimpse into innovative local entrepreneurship tied closely to conservation.
The group’s collaborations with corporations and national programs also suggest continued opportunities for expansion and impact. Following Rhizopora’s future projects and journeys will reveal how community-driven ecology and empowerment can evolve, inspire, and contribute to wider coastal resilience in Indonesia.