Berakit Village, located in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, has a mangrove ecosystem that is rich in potential and benefits for the local community. The mangrove forests in this area play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, protecting coastlines from abrasion, and providing habitat for various marine fauna. Beyond ecological benefits, this ecosystem also provides significant economic impacts for residents, both men and women, who rely on it as a livelihood source.

As part of efforts to conserve the mangrove ecosystem in Berakit Village, a survey was conducted to understand women's roles in mangrove conservation and identify challenges and opportunities. The survey revealed that women’s have a high interest in participating in empowerment programs focused on mangrove rehabilitation. With appropriate training and mentoring, they can contribute more significantly to environmental conservation efforts while enhancing their economic capacity.

Women in Berakit Village not only play a role in managing households, but are also key actors in mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation and utilization efforts. They are actively involved in mangrove planting, natural resource management, and the development of mangrove-based businesses. Women's participation in mangrove ecosystem restoration activities demonstrates that they have a strategic role in supporting environmental conservation while improving family economic well-being. However, socio-economic challenges remain the main obstacle to developing this potential. Most residents of Berakit Village have low to medium levels of education and work in the informal sector with relatively limited incomes. Many women have the desire to start their own businesses, but are hindered by constraints such as lack of capital, knowledge, and access to markets. Although they have high levels of participation in household and social activities, their involvement in economic activities can still be further enhanced.

This survey also indicates that training in financial management, product development, and marketing, particularly through digital platforms, is highly needed by the community. With the mangrove ecosystem still in good condition and high land suitability for planting and seedling cultivation, particularly for the Rhizophora stylosa species, opportunities for developing mangrove-based programs are wide open. Community awareness, especially among women, of the importance of environmental conservation is also quite high, indicating significant potential for the implementation of sustainable empowerment programs.

Overall, this survey underscores the importance of women's empowerment programs in mangrove ecosystem restoration in Berakit Village. With an integrated approach that includes economic capacity building, digital and financial literacy, and environmental conservation, programs designed based on these findings are expected to contribute to community well-being while ensuring the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem in the village.