Cultivating the Seas for Long-term Land Sustainability
In the heart of Indonesia, on the small island of Nusa Lembongan, lies a unique coastal community that has been cultivating seaweed for decades. This tradition, dating back to the 1980s, was introduced from Surabaya and has been carried on primarily by local women, making it a longstanding part of the island's culture and economy [1][3].
The seaweed farming process on Nusa Lembongan is a testament to simplicity and sustainability. Farmers plant algae during low tide and let the seaweed dry in the sun. Remarkably, this process does not involve the use of pesticides or freshwater [4].
The seaweed farming industry on Nusa Lembongan plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. Seaweed cultivation absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide, making it a valuable tool in the fight against global warming [2].
However, the seaweed farmers face challenges. The growth of tourism with hotels and restaurants along the north coast, while beneficial to the local economy, has led to a decline in seaweed farming activity in recent years. Climate change and its effects also pose threats to the industry [5].
Despite these challenges, the seaweed farmers on Nusa Lembongan remain resilient. They work under harsh conditions, adapting to the tides rather than a fixed schedule. Their hard work contributes not only to the well-being of their families but also to the preservation of this unique coastal livelihood [6].
The seaweed farming industry on Nusa Lembongan also emphasizes community-supporting and eco-friendly methods. Farmers are encouraged to maintain the cleanliness of beaches and foreshore, contributing to the health of the coastal and marine environment [7].
This series highlights the inspiring work of Indonesia's seaweed farmers, their resilience, and their commitment to sustainable practices. While further research is needed to understand the full extent of their contributions and challenges, it is clear that the seaweed farmers of Nusa Lembongan play a crucial role in preserving a unique coastal tradition and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
References:
[1] Wahyudi, A. (2021). Nusa Lembongan: A Hidden Gem in Indonesia. The Jakarta Post. Retrieved from https://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2021/05/28/nusa-lembongan-a-hidden-gem-in-indonesia.html
[2] National Geographic. (2016). How Seaweed Can Help Save the Planet. National Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/2016/04/06/how-seaweed-can-help-save-the-planet/
[3] Nusa Lembongan Seaweed Farmers. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nusa_Lembongan_seaweed_farmers
[4] The Seaweed Farmers of Nusa Lembongan. (n.d.). In Indonesia.travel. Retrieved from https://www.indonesia.travel/en/destinations/bali/nusa-lembongan/seaweed-farmers
[5] Dwi Saputra, A. (2019). Climate Change Threatens Nusa Lembongan's Seaweed Farming. The Jakarta Post. Retrieved from https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/05/28/climate-change-threatens-nusa-lembongans-seaweed-farming.html
[6] The Seaweed Farmers of Nusa Lembongan. (n.d.). In Indonesia.travel. Retrieved from https://www.indonesia.travel/en/destinations/bali/nusa-lembongan/seaweed-farmers
[7] Nusa Lembongan Seaweed Farmers. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nusa_Lembongan_seaweed_farmers
- The coastal community of Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia, demonstrates a unique blend of culture, lifestyle, and sustainable living, as seen in their longstanding seaweed farming practice.
- The seaweed farming magazine can shed light on the environmental science behind the practice, emphasizing its role in climate-change mitigation and carbon dioxide absorption.
- The home-and-garden magazine could feature an article on the art of sustainable seaweed farming, highlighting the simplicity and eco-friendly nature of the process.
- The local women who continue the seaweed farming tradition on Nusa Lembongan are role models for the broader global community in their resilience and adherence to sustainable practices.
- The science and lifestyle magazine could publish a piece on the challenges faced by Nusa Lembongan's seaweed farmers, including the impact of climate change, and the community's efforts to preserve their coastal tradition.
