Advancing Seaweed Farming in Yogyakarta: A Pilot Project for Sustainable Ulva Cultivation
6-7 August 2024, Gunung Kidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta
In late June, we wrapped up our training sessions aimed at empowering Ulva seaweed MSMEs. Building on this foundation, the Sambung Asa team and Winner Perkasa Indonesia Unggul had the opportunity to participate in a land-based Ulva farming workshop held at Pantai Pok Tunggal, Yogyakarta, on August 6-7, 2024. This workshop was a significant expansion of our knowledge base, particularly for our team members who have been cultivating Ulva in ponds for the past year. Our operator, Mr. Sumardi, gained valuable insights into land-based Ulva farming practices that will be instrumental in our future development.
Currently, Pantai Pok Tunggal does not have established Ulva cultivation practices. The local community relies on wild harvesting, which results in an unreliable supply of Ulva due to seasonal fluctuations and inconsistent harvest quality. This unsustainable approach negatively impacts local MSMEs, creating instability and growth challenges for these businesses.
The workshop aimed to launch a pilot project for land-based Ulva farming, with the hope that its success will provide a replicable model for neighbouring communities. The introduction of this farming system is intended to ensure a steady and dependable supply of Ulva, enhance the quality and cleanliness of the harvest, and support local MSMEs with consistent raw material availability. Furthermore, this initiative will create opportunities for market expansion, reaching processors and exporters.
Organized by UNIDO through the Global Quick Start Programme (GQSP), the workshop was conducted by Mr. Lideman, a seasoned expert in land-based farming from Sulawesi. His expertise provided invaluable guidance and practical knowledge to our team. We extend our deepest gratitude to UNIDO and GQSP for their unwavering support and collaboration. Together, we are forging a path toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for coastal communities, driven by innovation and shared commitment.
