The area around Semarang and Demak (Mid Java) suffers from coastal erosion. The last decades mangroves have been cleared to make space for aquaculture. Economic growth and expanding industry around Semarang demand a high need for water. The extraction of the water is causing the land to subside. With hardly any mangrove forests left, the natural barrier to protect the land from the sea is gone. Every high tide the water flows inland, causing severe floods. Building with Nature project strives to come up with a solutions to safeguard the area. Is it too late, or can the flood be stopped? In February-March 2018 I visited this area in assignment for BwN. Currently I am working on the personal stories & portraits. Behind the scenes stories on  @cynthiaboll