Sebubus, a coastal village in Paloh Subdistrict, Sambas Regency, represents a unique landscape where mangrove forests, turtle nesting beaches, and community forests converge with local economies rooted in palm oil, fisheries, and non-timber forest products. Through Nature50, local communities are not only safeguarding critical habitats but also building new economic opportunities—from sustainable palm oil and mangrove-based products to turtle and coastal eco-tourism. With the support of local government and connections to global markets, Sebubus stands as a living example of how conservation and development can advance together—for climate, biodiversity, and social justice.

This landscape is not merely an administrative unit, but a mosaic of vital ecosystems that span over 31 km of coastline, green and hawksbill turtle nesting grounds, 6,000 hectares of community forests, and expansive mangroves. Here, the richness of tropical biodiversity intersects with the everyday realities of local livelihoods. Independent smallholders cultivate palm oil, while communities safeguard mangroves as buffers against erosion, sources of food, and habitats for endemic species such as proboscis monkeys. Along the coast, community groups work tirelessly to protect turtles from poaching and habitat loss. These efforts demonstrate one clear truth: local communities are the frontline actors in nature protection.

Nature50 connects these local initiatives to the global agenda. Through the Inclusive Smallholders program, we support land legalization, reduce deforestation risk through monitoring, and link farmers to sustainable supply chains. With Critical Habitat Protection, we ensure that mangroves, wildlife corridors, and critical coastlines remain secure—strengthened by social forestry groups and eco-tourism initiatives amid production pressures. And through the Local Government Support Facility, we empower Sambas district and village governments to actively safeguard high conservation value areas with legal frameworks and long-term partnerships.

The strategy in Sebubus goes beyond ecosystem protection—it unlocks new economic opportunities. Training in mangrove-based product processing, stingless bee honey cultivation, local handicrafts, and the development of mangrove and turtle eco-tourism show that conservation can directly translate into livelihoods. Here, sustainability is not an abstract concept but a practical pathway to climate resilience, social equity, and supply chain credibility.

By bridging local communities, local government, and global markets, Nature50’s implementation in Sebubus and the broader Paloh Seascape offers a forward-looking model for the future: inclusive production, strong conservation, and measurable sustainability.