Restoring Ecosystems2022

In collaboration with ClimeCo, Estrada participated in a documentary-style film project highlighting the impactful work of YAKOPI, a non-profit dedicated to restoring mangrove populations along the island coastlines of West Sumatra, Indonesia. This initiative aimed to bring awareness to the ecological significance of mangroves and their role in carbon sequestration while showcasing how ClimeCo markets the carbon credits generated by these restoration efforts to major corporations as offsets.

The project took Estrada on a journey through Indonesia, beginning in Medan and extending to the remote islands of Nias and Simelueue. These regions are home to some of the most vital and vulnerable coastal ecosystems, where YAKOPI has been actively engaged in rehabilitating mangrove forests that have been degraded due to climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land use practices. By documenting these efforts, Estrada aimed to create a compelling visual narrative that would resonate with both corporate stakeholders and environmental advocates alike.

As part of the documentary, Estrada conducted interviews with key figures integral to the success of the mangrove restoration initiatives. On the island of Simelueue, he interviewed members of the local municipal government, who provided insight into the regional policies and community involvement that support YAKOPI’s mission. Additionally, he had the opportunity to interview a Commander of the Indonesian Navy, whose perspective shed light on the strategic importance of mangrove conservation for national security, coastal protection, and biodiversity preservation.

The production process involved capturing the stunning landscapes of West Sumatra’s coastal regions, emphasizing both the beauty and fragility of these environments. Through interviews, on-the-ground footage, and aerial cinematography, we portrayed the intricate relationship between local communities and their surrounding ecosystems. The documentary not only highlighted the environmental benefits of mangrove restoration but also underscored the socioeconomic advantages, such as providing sustainable livelihoods for local fishermen and reducing the risk of coastal erosion and flooding.

Beyond its ecological impact, this film served as a strategic marketing tool for ClimeCo, helping to communicate the value of carbon credits derived from mangrove restoration to potential corporate buyers. By aligning economic incentives with environmental stewardship, ClimeCo aims to bridge the gap between corporate sustainability goals and tangible conservation efforts on the ground.

The Indonesian portion of this project was only half the story. In addition to telling the story of YAKOPI, Estrada also ventured down to southern Louisiana to document the work of REF, another non-profit working to restore the bald cypress population along the banks of Lake Salvador south of New Orleans. The cypress swamps serve as storm surge protection during hurricanes. As part of this project, he followed a team of laborers through the marsh as they planted cypress saplings, serving as both photographer and camera operator.

We conducted interviews with members of Louisiana Fish & Wildlife and biologists supporting the project. To fully capture the scope of the restoration efforts, we navigated the swamp on Marsh Masters, barges, and airboats, documenting the region’s diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, waterfowl, and alligators. The immersive cinematography brought attention to the importance of preserving these swamps, which play a crucial role in protecting coastal communities from storm surges and maintaining local biodiversity.

This project was a powerful testament to the ability of storytelling to drive awareness and action. Through immersive visuals and firsthand accounts, we crafted a narrative that not only showcased YAKOPI’s and REF’s dedication but also reinforced the broader importance of conservation in combating climate change. Estrada's experience on this project further deepened his appreciation for the role of media in amplifying environmental initiatives and connecting global audiences with critical conservation efforts.

Ultimately, this documentary stands as a testament to the collaborative effort required to protect our planet’s natural resources.