14-year-old Indonesian plants 38,000 mangroves, helps local women turn them into sustainable products

Over the past decade, Indonesia has lost an estimated 12.5 million hectares of forest. The decline has put the country under significant environmental pressure and contributed to increased coastal erosion, reduced biodiversity and heightened vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Observing the growing environmental challenges in the country, 14-year-old Harley Fatahillah Yodhaloka Sunoto began exploring ways to contribute solutions at the community level. According to a report by Action for Nature, he is the winner of the 2026 Eco-Hero title for founding a campaign centred on mangrove restoration and environmental education.Mangrove WarriorMangrove Warrior, was launched roughly one year ago with the goal of restoring coastal ecosystems while increasing climate awareness among the youth. Harley recognised that the degrading coastlines of Surabaya left low-income fishing families defenceless against extreme weather and severe tidal flooding.The initiative began with him learning directly from coastal farmers in Wonorejo, a community where livelihoods have long depended on healthy mangrove ecosystems. Together, they developed a mangrove nursery system designed to cultivate seedli...