Mangrove Park Lampulo

Work Areas

Main CEPA work area

Our CEPA work focuses on environmental education, community participation, public awareness and communication for mangrove and coastal wetland conservation. We conduct learning activities for students, youth and local communities, facilitate community involvement in mangrove planting and monitoring, develop educational and communication materials, and use social media and storytelling to raise awareness about mangrove biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable coastal livelihoods. We also engage women and local livelihood groups in practical conservation activities, creating opportunities for communities to understand and participate in wetland stewardship.

Top three successes

1. Community based mangrove restoration at Mangrove Park Lampulo
   The programme has successfully engaged local communities and volunteers in mangrove planting and restoration. The approach worked well because people could participate directly in activities at the wetland site and see the results of their contribution. The site has grown into a practical space for environmental learning and public engagement.
2. Women led oyster farming linked with mangrove conservation
   Natural Aceh has supported oyster harvesters, most of whom are women, to develop livelihoods that depend on healthy coastal ecosystems. The approach worked because conservation was connected with an immediate livelihood benefit. Using recycled tyres and water gallons as oyster collectors also helped communities see how local materials and ecosystem conservation can be connected.
3. Environmental education and public engagement
   Educational activities involving students, youth, communities and volunteers have worked well because they combine practical activities with simple messages about mangroves, biodiversity and climate resilience. The use of social media, visual storytelling and field activities has also helped Natural Aceh reach audiences beyond the project site.

Top three challenges

1. Maintaining community participation over time
   Participation can decrease when communities have competing livelihood responsibilities. Natural Aceh learned that one time awareness activities are not enough. Regular activities, practical benefits and local community ownership are important for maintaining engagement.
2. Communicating wetland values in simple and relevant ways
   Technical information about mangrove ecosystems and biodiversity is not always easy for the general public to understand. We learned that communication works better when it uses local examples, visual materials and direct experiences rather than relying mainly on technical information.
3. Balancing conservation activities with livelihood needs
   Coastal communities depend on wetland resources for their livelihoods, so conservation messages need to recognise economic realities. Natural Aceh has learned that involving livelihood groups from the beginning and demonstrating practical links between healthy wetlands and household income can create stronger support for conservation.