Young church leaders warmly welcome mangrove planting at the inauguration of Sail Teluk Cenderawasih.

Biak Numfor, November 21, 2023 The President's visit to inaugurate Sail Teluk Cenderawasih not only draws attention to the symbolic strategic infrastructure but also creates a green footprint through mangrove planting. Franciscus Saperius Rumere, a young leader of the church and founder of the environmental community "Hdup M3," gave high appreciation to this step, affirming that the preservation of the environment is a common struggle. Although busy with the inauguration of important infrastructure, including mangrove ecotourism destinations Ruar, Taman Merah Putih, Maju Samber fishing village, and 500 Tonnes of Cold Storage, the president set aside time to instill sustainability values. "Mangroves are more than just coastal trees. They are a natural bulwark against coastal abrasion and are home to fish as well as shellfish. Biak Numfor Regency, with its strategic islands, needs collective awareness, especially from the youth, to maintain the environment and indigenous lands to be sustainable," said Rumere with enthusiasm. In the context of islands in need of coastal ecosystem protection, mangrove planting is not only a local activity but also a representation of joint efforts to preserve marine ecosystems. "High appreciation to the STC Committee and the Biak Numfor Regency government for including mangrove planting on the official agenda. This is not only local wisdom but also a commitment to environmental sustainability. The president has shown that the environment is a priority, and this deserves appreciation," Rumere added. Mangrove planting activities in the midst of the busy inauguration of Sail Teluk Cenderawasih became a bright spot, showing that sustainability and environmental sustainability must be a common concern. With the support of caring youth, it is hoped that this message can inspire future generations to care for nature for the survival of the Earth.