The Indonesian Coastal Conservation Foundation “YAKOPI” is a non-profit organization based in North Sumatra and Aceh that has worked with stakeholders at all levels on programs to conserve and restore mangrove forests. We also work with coastal communities, academics, and the Environment and Forestry Office (DLHK) as policy makers. We encourage the preservation and conservation of existing mangroves, educate about how to restore damaged or unhealthy mangrove ecosystems, and encourage generations. to actively pay attention to local forests. Why are we doing this? Because healthy mangroves can provide sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities (especially the poorest) and reduce their vulnerability to natural events such as hurricanes and storm surges. Mangroves also provide a number of other benefits to the world at large – including absorbing and storing more carbon than any other forest type.