The mangrove forest is a natural protector that is strong and practical in preventing coastal erosion.  It supplies many resources such as fuel, alcohol, sugar, tanning oil, roofing materials, materials for boats to mention just a few things.  It has tourist potential and is the natural habitat for many types of fish, prawns, birds, crocodiles and many other species that are interdependent.

Because the role and function of the mangrove forest is important for the continuation of mankind and its ecosystem, the Mangrove Information Centre or MIC was constructed at Suwung, Denpasar, Bali.  It was hoped that with the existence of MIC the mangrove forest would be more protected from further destruction.

On the 17th of May, from 9am to 3pm, the was a workshop at MIC entitled ‘Environmental Education for Mangrove Ecosystems’.  There were approximately twenty five participants in attendance.  All attendees work in the area of education in Denpasar.  They included teachers, lecturers and non-government organisations including PPLH Bali.  PPLH Bali were both participants in the workshop as well as facilitators.

The aim of this workshop was to share information about the environmental education that had taken place at MIC for the past five years.  Mr. Arief Mahmud and Ms. Nurul, the speakers from MIC gave presentations and a question and answer session with participants.

Following that participants were asked to make some constructive criticism about MIC using the SWOT method.  In this method, the participants were broken up into four groups, each with an area to address about MIC (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and obstacles).

In summary, the results of the SWOT were: MIC is still quite important for the continuation of the local mangrove ecosystem, the facilities available can be pt to maximum use by using it for educational programs, working together with the Japanese government through JICA has been good but assistance can be sought from other agencies whether local or international.  It was found that the most important thing about MIC was that the centre is supported by excellent human resources who are both conscientious and professional.  With these things in mind, MIC can continue working towards achieving it’s vision and mission.  (crt/nel)

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