Harnessing the potential of natural resources is a delicate balance. On one hand, it can generate livelihoods and sustain communities; on the other, it risks damaging the very environment on which life depends. For Dewi, a 21-year-old woman from Warloka Pesisir Village in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, this balance has become her life’s calling. With a passion for change and a strong sense of responsibility, she has embraced her role as a member of Pokdarwis (Village Tourism Awareness Group), turning mangroves into both a source of economic opportunity and a pathway to conservation.
Discovering New Potential in the Mangroves
Dewi’s journey began when she joined a Pokdarwis community session. Until then, she had not fully realised the breadth of tourism potential in her village. The activity was part of PEKA IKLIM (Strengthening Climate Resilience), a collaborative programme between Yayasan Bina Karta Lestari (Bintari) and Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) South and Southeast Asia.
“Out of curiosity, I joined one of the evening Pokdarwis meetings,” Dewi recalled. “I didn’t know we had so many beautiful tourism spots here. After becoming part of the group, I started to really understand the potential.”
Together, the group explored new possibilities for sustainable tourism, including the mangrove forests along Warloka’s coastline. For Dewi, this was a revelation. “Before, I never worked with mangroves, only in tourism. But then I learned how mangroves are closely linked to tourism. If we have healthy mangroves, they can become a great attraction,” she explained.
Beyond their tourism value, Dewi discovered the vital ecological benefits of mangroves: reducing coastal erosion, serving as natural barriers against tsunamis, providing habitats for crabs and other wildlife, and contributing to local livelihoods. Motivated by this, she began learning how to cultivate mangroves, studying different species, planting methods, and ways to explain their importance to visitors. With persistence and enthusiasm, she not only grew her own knowledge but also encouraged fellow villagers to take part.
Opportunities and Challenges in Mangrove Ecotourism
What started as an idea gradually turned into action. Dewi seized opportunities whenever they arose — even unexpected ones.
“Sometimes tourists got lost and ended up in Warloka Pesisir,” she said. “I saw this as a chance to introduce them to our village. I would guide them through the mangrove forest, explain how we plant and nurture mangroves, and share their benefits. Many said it was fascinating and positive.”
Yet, the path has not been without challenges. Some community members remain indifferent, slow to see the importance of mangrove conservation. But Dewi refuses to be discouraged. She believes that as the mangroves grow, so too will people’s awareness and appreciation.
“My hope is that the more mangroves we have, the more benefits people will experience. Then more community members will feel inspired to join, because mangroves really do offer so much for our daily lives,” she concluded.
Planting Seeds of Change
Dewi’s story is one of curiosity transformed into leadership. From a young woman with little knowledge of her village’s natural wealth, she has become a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Through the support of PEKA IKLIM and the collective energy of Pokdarwis, she is helping her community see that mangroves are not just trees along the shore, but pillars of resilience, livelihoods, and hope.
Her journey demonstrates that meaningful change often begins with a simple question, a willingness to learn, and the courage to share that knowledge with others.
