Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian and South Korean governments explored a new cooperation in mangrove restoration and blue carbon development to optimise climate actions sought by the two countries.According to Director for Mangrove Rehabilitation at the Forestry Ministry Ristianto Pribadi, the Indonesian government welcomes the cooperation initiative with South Korea in the sector.
"The collaboration is expected to strengthen Indonesia's position as the global leader in mangrove conservation and become a new milestone in Indonesia-South Korea's strategic partnership in environmental and climate sectors," Pribadi stated, according to the ministry's statement on Sunday.
The cooperation was discussed during a bilateral meeting between the Indonesian ministry and South Korea's Oceans and Fisheries Ministry on the sidelines of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, on Wednesday (November 12).
During the meeting, Pribadi highlighted Indonesia’s success in rehabilitating more than 165 thousand hectares of its 3.44 million hectares of mangrove areas, which account for 23 percent of the global mangrove ecosystem.
"This effort is not only to maintain the balance of coastal ecosystems but is also a part of the national strategy to achieve the FOLU Net Sink 2030," he said.
Baca juga: Lombok Timur dukung pengembangan ekowisata mangrove
Meanwhile, South Korea's Deputy Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Seo Jeong-ho expressed his side's interest in Indonesia's experience in mangrove rehabilitation and reaffirmed their commitment to embark on concrete cooperation programs in coastal areas.
"We are impressed by Indonesia's achievements and are keen to contribute through technology, research, and innovation cooperation to strengthen coastal areas' resilience," Seo said.
Baca juga: Pemkab Dompu dan Geopark Tambora tanam ribuan mangrove untuk lindungi kawasan pesisir
The South Korean official also expressed his interest in supporting the World Mangrove Center (WMC), Indonesia's initiative to develop a knowledge and international collaboration center in mangrove conservation.
As a follow-up measure, the two parties agreed to set up a technical team to discuss the proposed cooperation along with South Korea's Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
Indonesia will also serve as a facilitator in drafting and implementing the mangrove restoration and blue carbon development programs, according to the ministry.
