Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (MPWH) of the Republic of Indonesia Basuki Hadimuljono as a Vice Chairman of the 10th World Water Forum, along with President of the World Water Council (WWC) Loic Fauchon visited the Rehabilitation and Conservation Area of the Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest Reserve in Denpasar, Bali.
This visit, conducted on February 18, 2024, is part of a series of site visits leading up to the 10th World Water Forum. Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, and members of the WWC Board of Governors also participated in this activity.
Minister Basuki stated that the Mangrove Forest Rehabilitation and Conservation Area of the Ngurah Rai Forest Park (Tahura) was one of the venues visited by world leaders during the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022.
"On that occasion, participating world leaders also planted mangrove seedlings as a commitment to responding to climate change issues since mangroves can reduce emissions or absorb carbon dioxide," said Minister Basuki.
Mangrove Ecosystem Services
The Tahura Mangrove Forest Reserve serves as the lungs of the city and also contributes to the preservation of flora and fauna habitats. The natural root system of mangrove trees can also act as a barrier to sea water waves and protect coastal areas from the risk of erosion.
The presence of mangrove forests also helps coastal communities to obtain clean water and fresh air. Mangrove trees play a role as the last reservoir for waste from industries in urban and upstream settlements.
According to Minister Basuki, this mangrove forest area also implements the principles of Balinese Hindu teachings, namely Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes the balance of relationships between God, humans, and environment.
The site visit to the Tahura Mangrove Forest Reserve is part of the series of activities of the 82nd Board of Governors Meeting of the WWC following the Kick-off Meeting of the 10th World Water Forum held on February 15-16, 2023, in Jakarta.
Ngurah Rai Forest Park
The arrangement of the Tahura Mangrove Forest Reserve in Bali was inaugurated by President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, along with the inauguration of the Danu Kerthi Tamblang Dam in Buleleng Regency in early February 2023, in total, the Ngurah Rai Tahura covers an area of 1,373.5 hectares.
Ngurah Rai Forest Park was first designated as a forest reserve by the Netherlands in 1972. Before it was known by its current name, this area was known as the Benoa Mangrove Forest Reserve based on the Minister of Forestry Decree No.885/Kpts-II/92 Tahura.
"Prapat" is the Balinese term for the mangrove species "perapat" or white mangrove which dominates the vegetation of Ngurah Rai Tahura. In addition to mangrove plants, this mangrove area also has the potential for natural beauty and biodiversity.
In the same location, the Ministry of Public Work and Housing also carried out the rehabilitation of the Estuary Dam covering an area of 35 hectares since February 2022. This project is expected to increase the supply of raw water for surrounding communities and support tourism areas in Kuta, Benoa, and Nusa Dua.