Get to know Us
The WAMTI–Ketapang Blue Carbon Initiative (WKBCI) is a community-driven platform dedicated to the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems while promoting sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. Established in July 2025 by Agusdin Pulungan, Yudo Sudarto, and Khairani, WKBCI was founded on the belief that coastal communities must play a central role in protecting and managing the natural resources upon which they depend.
WKBCI builds upon the experience of Wahana Masyarakat Tani Indonesia (WAMTI), a community-based organization established in 1994 to empower rural and coastal communities through sustainable natural resource management, livelihood development, and environmental stewardship. For more than three decades, WAMTI has worked alongside farmers, fishers, women's groups, and local communities, supporting initiatives in agriculture, fisheries, community capacity building, value chain development, and conservation. This long-standing commitment to community empowerment and participatory development provides the foundation for WKBCI's work.
Today, WKBCI serves as a collaborative platform that brings together communities, government agencies, researchers, universities, NGOs, and development partners to advance mangrove restoration, sustainable fisheries, blue carbon development, and climate resilience.
Our Journey
Recognizing the immense ecological and economic importance of Ketapang's mangrove ecosystems, the founders envisioned a collaborative initiative that could connect local knowledge with scientific expertise and policy support.
In January 2026, WKBCI began engaging with the Government of Ketapang Regency to explore opportunities for collaboration. This was followed by discussions with the Fisheries Service of Ketapang in May 2026, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable fisheries, mangrove conservation, and community-based coastal development.
Today, WKBCI continues to develop partnerships with government agencies, universities, research institutions, NGOs, and international organizations to advance a shared vision for sustainable coastal management and climate resilience in Ketapang.
Looking Forward
WKBCI aspires to become a living laboratory for blue carbon innovation—a place where science, policy, and community knowledge come together to develop practical solutions for climate resilience and sustainable development. By combining local leadership with national and international collaboration, WKBCI aims to create a model that can be replicated and scaled across Indonesia and other coastal regions around the world.
The species
You didn’t come this far to stop
Our mission
To protect and restore mangrove ecosystems, support sustainable fisheries and coastal livelihoods, and empower local communities to take an active role in natural resource management. We promote research, innovation and knowledge sharing while creating blue carbon opportunities that benefit local people. Through collaboration and partnership, we bering together government, academia, civil society, and private sector to advance sustainable coastal development and climate resilience.
Our vision
To establish Ketapang as a leading model of community-driven blue carbon conservation, where healthy mangrove ecosystems support resilient livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable economic growth.
The Task Force
WKBCI is supported by a dedicated team with extensive experience in community organizing, administration, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots development. United by a shared commitment to sustainable coastal management, our team works closely with local communities to drive conservation, strengthen livelihoods, and create lasting positive impact.
Yudo Sudarto
Director
Khairani
Deputy Director