Tanjungpinang, November 3, 2025 — The Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries (FIKP) of Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH), together with the Care Peduli Foundation and the Riau Islands Ecology Foundation (YEKR), held a public seminar entitled “The Blue Legacy” at the Dompak Campus Auditorium. This event marked the culmination of the Dissemination of the Women's Empowerment and Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Program in Berakit Village, Bintan Regency. The program combines women's leadership, circular economy innovation, and environmental conservation in a single movement aimed at strengthening coastal resilience and building a resilient community.

Since mid-2024, the program initiated by the Riau Islands Ecology Foundation with support from the Care Peduli Foundation and Traveloka has planted 50,000 Rhizophora stylosa mangrove seedlings in Berakit Village. The initiative also empowered coastal women to become agents of change, establishing four women-led community groups: KUEP Melati for traditional food processing and ecoprint crafts; KUEP Tenggiri for seafood product development such as fish balls and fish chips; KUM Panglong for capture fisheries; and Pokmaswas Srikandi, which pioneered mangrove ecotourism and community-based coastal monitoring. These groups received continuous training and mentoring, leading to new economic opportunities and stronger environmental stewardship, and helping drive the local economy through circular, eco-friendly practices.

The Blue Legacy seminar featured four speakers from various sectors who shared their experiences and inspiration. M. Tahmid from the Riau Islands Province Marine and Fisheries Service emphasized the importance of aligning mangrove ecosystem management with the Coastal Zone and Small Islands Zoning Plan (RZWP3K) policy so that mangrove areas continue to function as natural coastal barriers and blue carbon sinks. Meanwhile, Swiny Adestika from the Care Peduli Foundation highlighted the importance of circular economy innovation in increasing the independence of coastal women. Through the Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA) system, women were able to increase their income by up to 48 percent and achieve better financial stability. From the field perspective, Rahima Zakia from YEKR described the tangible changes occurring in Berakit Village, where coastal women are not only planting mangroves but also cultivating hope through group management and productive enterprises.

Meanwhile, Falmi Yandri from UMRAH explained the concept of Community-Based Management and Gender-Perspective Edu-Ecotourism as an approach to mangrove management that places women as the main actors in conservation and education. According to him, the success of ecosystem rehabilitation depends not only on government policies but also on the active involvement of local communities, who possess knowledge and a sense of responsibility for coastal resources.

The seminar also resulted in a joint commitment to continue collaboration through three strategic directions: replicating the program model in other coastal areas of the Riau Islands, forming a coastal women's cooperative as a joint circular economy forum, and strengthening academic research and monitoring to measure long-term socio-ecological impacts. The event closed with an exhibition of local products from the Berakit Village women's group, showcasing various processed seafood products, dodol, traditional cakes, and ecoprint works made from natural mangrove materials — as clear evidence that conservation and prosperity can go hand in hand.

The Blue Legacy is not just a program, but a movement that affirms that coastal resilience begins with women's empowerment and environmental conservation. Let us each take part—whether as academics, policymakers, partners, or community members—in supporting and amplifying these efforts. By committing now, we can help secure a sustainable ocean, strong women, and resilient coastal communities for generations to come.