Jakarta, Nov. 16 -- The Ministry of Forestry has underscored the need for innovative financing to sustain large-scale mangrove rehabilitation programs.

Director of Mangrove Rehabilitation at the ministry, Ristianto Pribadi, in a statement here on Sunday, described the program as a leading example of Nature-Based Solutions that prioritize long-term investment in mangrove ecosystems.

With 3.44 million hectares of mangrove forests, representing 23 percent of the world's total, Indonesia carries both ecological responsibility and potential to position mangrove restoration at the forefront of climate mitigation and adaptation.

"Mangrove forests have proven to be strategic assets with significant ecological and economic advantages," he said ...