The government of Aceh Besar Regency collaborated with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia to promote coastal vegetation planting for tsunami mitigation. Indonesia, prone to earthquakes due to its location along three tectonic plates, faces a significant tsunami threat. Among the coastal districts, 262 out of 327 are potentially at risk. To combat this, Aceh Besar Regency must implement coastal protection measures and stepped structures while considering local conditions. Coastal vegetation plays a vital role in reducing wave energy, trapping sediment and debris, and ensuring strong rooting of trees.
Coastal areas in Aceh have suffered from the lack of buffer vegetation, as demonstrated by the devastating 2004 tsunami. Out of the 3 million seedlings planted over a 5-year rehabilitation period, only 40% survived. The rapid growth of shrimp farms has also contributed to deforestation and the conversion of mangrove forests. Therefore, the government of Aceh is undertaking various initiatives to mitigate coastal and marine areas, including spatial zoning, disaster management plans, and community resilience programs. By raising public awareness and establishing coastal vegetation as a tsunami green belt, the aim is to enhance environmental quality and reduce the risk of coastal damage.
