Integrating nature-based solutions in estuary management: A climate mitigation perspective from Demak, Central Java

Estuaries are vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. They act as natural buffers against rising sea levels and coastal erosion while serving as significant carbon sinks due to their diverse and productive ecosystems. Integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into estuary management offers a promising approach to mitigate the impacts of climate change while enhancing ecosystem services and community resilience. This study focuses on the potential of NbS in managing estuaries in Demak, Central Java, a region highly vulnerable to coastal hazards such as erosion, flooding, and land subsidence. Key strategies explored include mangrove restoration, sustainable aquaculture, and community-driven conservation efforts. The findings demonstrate that these approaches can reduce the risks associated with climate change, improve biodiversity, and support local livelihoods by providing sustainable economic opportunities. Mangrove restoration in Bedono Village, Demak, illustrates how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and hybrid engineering can address coastal subsidence, tidal flooding, and ecological degradation. Field observations (2022–2025) show that mangrove rehabilitation supported by permeable brushwood barriers has increased sediment accretion by 5–15 cm/year and enabled natural recruitment of Avicennia and Rhizophora, contributing to shoreline stabilization. Community-led restoration achieved estimated mangrove survival rates of 60–70%, while participatory activities involving youth and women strengthened local livelihoods and environmental stewardship. Comparative analysis with other Indonesian and regional projects highlights the effectiveness of integrating community engagement with low-cost engineering. The Bedono model demonstrates the potential of NbS to enhance coastal resilience, support carbon sequestration, and align with national climate strategies, offering a replicable framework for vulnerable estuarine regions.