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Mangrove Restoration

Day 637 (month 21): June 29, 2026 – Bintan Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

Mangrove forest in Bintan, Indonesia

Bintan is home to extensive mangrove forests, vital habitats for diverse wildlife. The last two decades have seen a significant decline in mangrove cover. The need to restore coastal ecosystem health has made mangrove replanting a major focus for local conservation and tourism groups, and it was the motivation behind a project some of us did in this port. About twenty of us glided through the thick mangrove trees along the Sebong River, enjoying the peaceful beauty of this habitat. Odyssey residents sponsored crew members so they could be involved in this project also. Then, we spent an hour helping to replant mangroves in a degraded area.

Odyssey residents and crew gliding through mangrove forest
At the mangrove restoration site
Mangrove seedlings ready for planting

The planting took place at low tide. At high tide, this area will be flooded, providing nutrients for them to thrive.

Michelle planting her mangroves
Pat doing her part

A couple creatures we saw along the way.

Mangrove Snake
Monitor Lizard
10 responses to “Mangrove Restoration”
  1. Donna Kruszewska Avatar
    Donna Kruszewska

    One of several service projects on this trip–very very cool.

    1. Yes! We’ve had a dozen or so projects so far, part of the Odyssey’s Global Harmony program.

  2. hannah marski Avatar
    hannah marski

    Thank you for doing that! Love your adventures!

    1. Thanks Hannah

  3. paul j trombetta Avatar
    paul j trombetta

    No pictures of birds from a true…Birder?? I love lizards and snakes, so thanks for that.

    1. I know! Unfortunately, we didn’t see any birds, although we were told there were several species of kingfishers there.

  4. Tereska Buko Avatar
    Tereska Buko

    Basia your sister Dona and I were saying how young you look in your travel pictures. Travel must be rejuvenating .

    1. Yes, I agree that travel is rejuvenating. I’ve always said, new experiences, new synapses, keeps you young. It must be all those new synapses I’m sprouting.

  5. So great! I love that you take on these projects to benefit the communities you visit.

    1. Yes, it’s pretty cool to be able to do this.

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