SULTRA

Project overview

SULTRA is a 4,500 hectare blue carbon mangrove restoration and integrated aquaculture project across three regencies of Southeast Sulawesi - Bombana, Konawe Selatan and Muna. The project transforms underutilised and abandoned aquaculture ponds, known locally as empangs, on individually-owned Area Penggunaan Lain (APL) land.

The dual offer gives farmers two pathways: convert dry ponds into eco-empangs with mangroves restored in the centre and shrimp, milkfish and mud crabs farmed at the edges, or hand over abandoned ponds for full mangrove restoration backed by Village Action Groups.

Two-pathway model

The project offers two models:

• Eco-empangs: underperforming dry ponds restored as eco-ponds, with mangroves in the centre and farmers cultivating shrimp, fish and mud crabs along the edges. Improved tidal flow and water quality boost yields over time.
• Full mangrove restoration: degraded land restored to healthy mangrove ecosystem through hydrological repair and community-led planting; carbon revenues flow to villages through democratically governed Village Action Groups.

Community engagement

Farmer Offer Trials have been held across 15 villages, with extremely positive feedback. Over 200 pond owners and 15 village heads have signed Expressions of Interest. Farmers will receive upfront payments, technical training and long-term revenue sharing from both fisheries and carbon credits.

Government and policy alignment

• Letters of support have been received from all three regencies.
• Aligned with Indonesia's strengthened carbon governance framework under Presidential Regulation 110/2025.
• Dual registration with the National Registry System (SRN PPI) ensures alignment with national climate targets.
• Standard alignment with Verra VM0033, enabled by Indonesia's Mutual Recognition Agreement with Verra (October 2025).

Investment overview

• 40-year project life with $28M investment ask.
• 2.9M total credits generated.
• Project becomes self-financing by 2031.
• Estimated $210M total community funding.
• Projected 18.9% IRR.