Grandpa has just returned from a day at the office.
Today, I visited Surabaya's mangrove on the coast of the Java Sea. It was hot and humid, but fascinating and educational. I've visited mangrove swamps in many parts of the world, and they never fail to amaze me.
Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in salt water habitats mainly in the tropics. They are literally forests that grow out of the ocean. When the tide is low their extraordinary, vertical root systems are exposed growing out of the mud. And when the tide is high a mass of marine species live among the roots.
Ever since becoming professionally involved with the environment when I joined Greenpeace International in the 1990s, I have found myself increasingly in awe of nature. I can honestly say that these mangrove forests are magical. Alas they are endangered, and disappearing at a rapid rate.
Today's most extraordinary sight, was a large snake swimming across the canal in front of our boat with its head help up high above the water. Sadly, it was all too fast for me take a photo.
My visit was to learn about a programme designed to educate the 30,000 people living in this area of the immense value of the mangroves, and to teach them to protect the trees and not to cut them down. Fishing in the major breadwinner for most of the local community. If the trees die, so does the sea life. That's the key message.
So I was fortunate to spend my day with people who are working hard to protect this magical 100,000 hectare forest, who are principally being funded by the largest cigarette company in Indonesia, a subsidiary of the giant Philip Morris. This company may be responsible for damaging people's lungs, but they are helping the lungs of the planet.
I am very privileged to have a job that doesn't involve going to an office every day, and to meet such interesting people from all over the world. I so much hope that you will find a fulfilling career. I am sure you will.
Grandpa Jonathan
Surabaya, Indonesia
