Training on Womangrove Community Leadership Course

Mangroves are vital for coastal livelihoods, shoreline protection, and food security. Indonesia, home to the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, relies heavily on these forests, especially in places like Tanakeke Island, where they support fisheries, aquaculture, and protect communities from erosion and storms. However, mangrove degradation and conversion to aquaculture ponds have reduced these benefits, weakening both ecosystems and local livelihoods. Women play an important but often overlooked role in supporting food security, small businesses, and restoration efforts, yet they have limited access to leadership and decision-making opportunities. Strengthening women’s leadership is key to more inclusive and effective mangrove management. The Womangrove Community Leadership Course aims to build women’s capacity, confidence, and ecological knowledge so they can actively contribute to restoration and community development. Through participatory learning, the course supports women to become leaders in sustainable coastal management, helping improve both ecosystem health and community resilience in Tanakeke.

The training objectives are:

• Enhance women’s knowledge of mangrove ecosystems, coastal resilience, and the role of mangroves in supporting fisheries, food security, and climate adaptation.
• Strengthen leadership skills among women participants so they can actively engage in community decision-making and local environmental initiatives.
• Promote women’s participation in mangrove management and restoration, including community-based conservation efforts and sustainable resource use practices.
• Encourage the development of community initiatives led by women that support sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem protection.
• Build a network of women leaders in Tanakeke Island who can collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other in advancing sustainable coastal development.