This is my first experience visiting the mangrove eco-tourism. I just know there are some mangrove centers area in Balikpapan, so, I and some friends decided to visit this conservation area.
Mangrove Centre is located in Graha Indah Kariangau Kel. Batu Ampar, North Balikpapan with broad 13.216.62 Ha. Little bit hard to reach this place, because the location already mix up with housing complex :D.
In previous year, around year 2000 the mangrove coastal of Graha Indah was quite unique existence, but when a lot of land and forest were over functions become tambak, almost 3 hectares of mangrove plantation and a lot of ecological were damage.
In 2005, with the Initiative of RT in Graha Indah - Mr. Agus Bei - he started to ask his people to do plantation of 1000 mangroves to improve and maintain the mangrove forests from being damaged. The reasons why we've to keep existence of mangrove because mangrove have functions as:
Under the stilt roots of mangrove trees, a diverse array of plants and animals live. The distinctive structure of the mangrove tree roots provides a safe haven for birds and fish to construct nests and breeding areas protected from predators. According to the National Zoo, 69 different species of animals can only be found in the mangrove forest.
The deep reaching roots of the mangrove trees to keep the soil of the coastline in place, preventing erosion. This preserves the natural shoreline without the need for artificial barriers such as seawall. The structure of the roots helps to soften the blow of the waves, which protects any man-made or natural structures on the opposite side of the mangrove.
Until now, the mangrove center is self-governance by the people. They do routine monitoring, has a 'watchdog groups' and seeding to preserve also rescuing species and habitats within it.
If you want to take boat to see whole mangrove area, cost of the boat is Rp.200,000/boat. This cost incurred for fuel, and donation for the conservations of mangrove area.
Really envy Their effort :)