When the Demak District of Indonesia’s most populous island started to notice that its precious shoreline was degrading and disappearing, the district came up with a five-year plan to restore it. The plan included the installation of permeable dam structures made of bamboo and brushwood that trap sediment from coastal erosion but allow water to pass freely. Mangroves, which were originally removed for shrimp farming, were also designated for restoration as a part of the plan. Now four years into the five-year plan, the Demak District has already accomplished many of its goals and created natural defenses against further erosion. On top of that, the project has also created economic opportunities for coastal residents as the restoration of mangroves is boosting shrimp populations, which has tripled the income of some shrimp farmers.
An Indonesian community built a natural defense to save its shoreline
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