By:Firman (AIP East Java Local Facilitator)

Since officially becoming a Seafood Savers Member in 2017, PT Mega Marine Pride (PT MMP) continues to carry out activities to improve vannamei shrimp farming practices in a sustainable manner. One of the activities carried out is by registering PT Delta Guna Sukses (PT DGS) to undergo improvements in shrimp farming in East Java. In the practice of vannamei shrimp farming, which has been operating since 1986, PT DGS's ponds face abrasion as an environmental constraint. In addition to the absence of protective plants along the coastline, the operation of fishing boats is also a cause of abrasion. That's because the area is home to fishermen who sell their fish every day using boats.

According to one fisherman, many people there have not realized the function of the existence of protective plants. So it is not surprising that if we visit the ponds owned by PT DGS in Gumuk Mas District, Jember Regency, East Java, we will not find plants on the beach. Facing this situation, on February 20, PT DGS together with members of the TNI and the local community carried out reforestation on Tanjung Beach, Kepanjen Village. The activity was carried out by planting 1000 jaran trees (Lannea coromandelica) which are known to grow easily.

Mr. Chandra, PT DGS Pond Manager, said that in addition to protecting the pond environment from abrasion and reducing global warming, reforestation activities are also carried out to achieve the company's mission, namely "Developing shrimp farming that is environmentally and socially sound". He did not forget to convey the company's goal to always maintain the pond environment and make the coastal area a marine ecotourism area. So that it can indirectly increase the income and awareness of the local community to preserve the environment.

"This greening activity is very beneficial for our environment. The beach that was once arid due to the absence of trees will later be beautiful and better when the planted trees have grown," said Danramil (Military Rayon Commander) of Gumuk Mas District, Captain Erwin.

Following this reforestation activity, a team involving the local community was formed to monitor growth and maintenance. Hopefully in the future the environment can be maintained, the pond cultivation business runs well, especially making this location a community tourism destination.