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A2 · ElementaryIndonesia·Science & Nature

Mangroves Help Protect a Coast in Indonesia

Key Vocabulary

Word / PhraseMeaningExample
coastland next to the seaThe village is near the coast.
mangrovea tree that grows in salty water near tropical coastsMangrove trees grow beside the sea.
wavemoving water on the surface of the seaThe fence helps slow the waves.
mudwet, soft earthThe structure catches mud from the water.
protectto keep something safe from damageMangroves help protect the village.

Article

Demak is on the coast of Java in Indonesia. The area has problems with floods and land loss. [1]

Mangrove trees can help protect the coast. Their roots slow water and hold soil.

A project in Demak tried a special idea. Workers built simple fences in the sea. The fences slow the waves and catch mud. [1]

The project did not only plant trees. It helped mangroves grow again naturally. [2]

Local fish farmers also learned new ways to work. Mangroves can give fish and other sea animals a good home. [1][3]

The project shows that people can sometimes protect the coast by working with nature.

Discussion Questions

  1. What places near you have floods?
  2. What trees grow near the sea in your country?
  3. How can trees help people?
  4. What can communities do to protect the coast?
  5. What natural place would you like to protect?

References

  1. UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, "Building with Nature in Indonesia."
  2. Wetlands International, "Building with Nature Indonesia."
  3. World Bank, "Building with Nature."