On November 3, 2026, YAKOPI initiated a preliminary feasibility study in collaboration with USK, with the objective of establishing a Mangrove Restoration Living Lab in Aceh. 

Managing approximately 45,000 hectares of mangrove ecosystems in Aceh requires more than just an ecological focus. It demands integrated governance, synchronized data, and a balance between long-term carbon conservation and the immediate economic needs of coastal communities.

During the consultatio we outlined several strategic recommendations to ensure sustainable and impactful coastal management:

• Strategic Roadmap & Governance: Formulating an integrated mangrove management roadmap and synchronizing baseline data across relevant government agencies, academics, and stakeholders to align conservation efforts.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Integrating long-term carbon storage goals with immediate non-carbon economic benefits. This includes developing silvofishery models, mangrove honey, and non-timber forest products, fully supported by a life-cycle economic approach from production to market access.
• Mangrove Living Lab Development: Establishing a dedicated “Living Lab” to serve as a demonstration site for ecological research, ecotourism, and practical learning for local communities and fish farmers.

Through this evidence-based synergy between civil society, academia, and local communities, we are ensuring that mangrove protection acts as both a powerful climate shield and a sustainable economic catalyst.