New Mangrove Research Station In Bali Will Boost Eco-Tourism

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The World Water Forum is well underway in Bali, and water specialists, climate and environmental experts, and world leaders have all gathered to discuss “Shared Water Prosperity for All.”

Indonesian leaders have confirmed that they have established a new partnership with the United Arab Emirates to create a mangrove research station on the island. 

The new mangrove research center will be called the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre.

Groundbreaking for the construction of the facility took place on Sunday, 19th May, with Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak leading the event. 

@backpackercantik 📌Hutan Mangrove, Bali #bali #hutanmangrove #denpasar ♬ Myself – Bazzi

Minister Pandjaitan told reporters, “In the future, this research center can become a whole package for research, capacity building, and international destination in Bali.”

Incredibly, Indonesia is home to 23% of all of the world’s mangroves, which span over 3.44 million hectares.

Mangroves are also one of the most overlooked ecosystems when it comes to tackling climate change; the highly adapted plants are some of the most efficient at carbon sequestration and can play a huge role in helping coastal communities combat sea level rise. 

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Minister Pandjaitan continued, “This international mangrove research center will be used for cutting-edge research, conservation, and education. The research specifically covers the use of biotechnology and innovations such as artificial intelligence for mangrove identification and the use of drones for restoration in remote areas.”

Speaking at the event, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak expressed his hopes that the cooperation between the two nations can contribute to efforts to create a clean and green environment throughout the world.

The UAE government is also in the process of exploring collaborations with universities, researchers, and students in Indonesia and the UAE that will benefit from the research center as well as local communities and universities in Bali and other parts of Indonesia.

@holiyaybali Mangrove tour naik boat selama 20 menit di Serangan🚤🍃 #fyp #mangrove #bali ♬ suara asli – JJ yuk🛵💨 – I ❤️ Travelling

The Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre will be created as part of the World Mangrove Center – Bali Grand Forest Park, which is managed by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry as an effort to develop the mangrove ecosystem by collaborating with bilateral partners.

The site was visited by world leaders during the G20 Summit in November 2022, and heads of state joined efforts to plant mangrove trees in the area. 

The Bali Provincial Government’s Regional Secretary, Dewa Made Indra, told reporters that once the center is completed and ready to open, it will be handed over to the Indonesian government for management.

He also shared his hopes that the center will contribute to reducing the island’s carbon emissions. Indra explained, “There are so many mangrove species in Bali, which, of course, will be very interesting for experts to conduct studies on mangroves.”

Tourists wishing to visit the World Mangrove Center – Bali Grand Forest Park will have to wait a little longer to explore the area as the tourism aspect of the centre is currently closed. Once opened the centre is set to the one of the most important eco-tourism initiatives in Bali.

Nevertheless, tourists need not be disappointed that the World Mangrove Center – Bali Grand Forest Park is not quite ready for them.

Those wishing to see a mangrove forest in Bali Province must take a trip over to the stunning outline island of Nusa Lembongan. 

A sunset kayak through the mangrove forests of Nusa Lembongan is one of the most unique experiences tourists can have on the island.

It is possible to hire a guide to paddle out for you to both guide you through the mangrove ecosystem or take a private kayak and self-paddle through the groves at your own pace. A 30-minute guided tour generally costs IDR 100,000 per person.

Private kayak rental starts at IDR 150,000 for a double kayak. Snorkeling off Mangrove Point is a real hidden gem, too!