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Tourism

Indonesian Women's Seaweed Traditions Face Challenges Amidst Climate Change and Tourism Development

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ibu Mitri's weathered hands moved with practiced ease as she secured strands of green seaweed to ropes, sharing her knowledge with tourists on Nusa Penida. However, climate change and rising tourism development threaten the centuries-old practice of seaweed cultivation, leaving the community at a crossroads between preserving traditions and adapting to a rapidly transforming world. Indonesian women, like Ibu Mitri, have led the way in seaweed farming, driving economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

  • Indonesian women have driven the growth of seaweed farming, with 40% of seaweed start-ups led by women.
  • The country is the seventh-largest exporter of agar and sixth-largest exporter of carrageenan globally, with seaweed production valued at over $1 billion in 2021.
  • Climate change and tourism development pose significant threats to seaweed cultivation, with storms and unpredictable rainfall patterns disrupting traditional practices.
  • Local women have adapted by partnering with NGOs and sharing their knowledge with tourists, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
  • Seaweed cultivation has remained an economic lifeline for women in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, despite the challenges posed by climate change and tourism development.
  • Women in seaweed farming have also benefited from improved livelihoods and community wellbeing, with seaweed aquaculture contributing to social and economic aspects of their lives.

Statistics:

  • Indonesia produced an estimated 9 million metric tons of seaweed in 2021, valued at over $1 billion.
  • Seaweed production in Indonesia is driven almost entirely by community-based farming, with women leading 40% of seaweed start-ups.
  • Indonesia is the seventh-largest exporter of agar and sixth-largest exporter of carrageenan globally.
  • The country's seaweed industry contributes significantly to its economy, with seaweed products being increasingly used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Local women's involvement in seaweed farming has improved their livelihoods and community wellbeing, with seaweed aquaculture contributing to social and economic aspects of their lives.

Sources:

  • Asadian, M., et al. (2018). Algal communities: An answer to global climate change. Clean - Soil, Air, Water, 46(10), 1800032. doi: 10.1002/clen.201800032
  • Bindu, M. S., & Levine, I. A. (2011). The commercial red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii --An overview on farming and environment. Journal of Applied Phycology, 23, 789-796. doi: 10.1007/s10811-010-9570-2
  • Msuya, F. E., & Hurtado, A. Q. (2017). The role of women in seaweed aquaculture in the Western Indian Ocean and South-East Asia. European Journal of Phycology, 52(4), 482-494. doi: 10.1080/09670262.2017.1357084
  • Rimmer, M. A., et al. (2021). Seaweed aquaculture in Indonesia contributes to social and economic aspects of livelihoods and community wellbeing. Sustainability, 13(19), 10946. doi: 10.3390/su131910946
  • Shafie, M. H., et al. (2022). Application of carrageenan extract from red seaweed (Rhodophyta) in cosmetic products: A review. Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 99(9), 100613. doi: 10.1016/j.jics.2022.100613
  • Silva Larson, A., et al. (2021). Women's well-being and household benefits from seaweed farming in Indonesia. Aquaculture, 530, 735711. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.735711

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