• Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2: Zero Hunger): Sambung Asa promotes sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health. This includes using eco-friendly farming techniques, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, and promoting biodiversity.

• Community Empowerment (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities): The company focuses on empowering local communities by providing them with the skills and resources needed to improve their livelihoods. This involves training in various trades, access to microfinance, and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurship.

• Economic Development (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 1: No Poverty): By supporting small businesses and promoting local economic activities, Sambung Asa aims to reduce poverty and improve the overall economic stability of the communities they serve.

• Environmental Conservation (SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land): The company works on projects that protect natural resources and promote environmental conservation. This could include reforestation efforts, water conservation projects, and initiatives to reduce waste and pollution.

This project prioritizes inclusivity and empowerment by actively engaging marginalized groups, including women and people with disabilities, ensuring their meaningful participation and representation. Specifically, outreach efforts will target marginalized individuals, providing tailored training and support to address their unique needs and challenges. Furthermore, women will be encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in decision-making processes, fostering gender equality and social inclusion. By amplifying the voices and contributions of marginalized groups, the project promotes diversity, equity, and collective empowerment within coastal communities.

The escalating demand for dried Ulva Lactuca seaweed, driven by its applications in food, feed, and other commercial uses, poses a concern regarding the traditional harvesting practices employed by coastal residents in Indonesia. The reliance on wild harvesting raises apprehensions about over-exploitation, leading to environmental damage and a significant depletion of Ulva populations, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem in coastal waters.

Gunung Kidul, situated on the southern coast of Java, exemplifies this challenge as the community traditionally collects Ulva from the sea for use as a snack. However, the surge in Ulva demand has prompted extensive exploitation, resulting in a gradual decline in Ulva populations in the area.

The proposed initiative aims to encourage and to educate coastal communities of Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta to shift from harvesting the wild grown Ulva to cultivating on land using tarpaulin ponds.

In essence, the proposed initiative seeks to strike a balance between meeting the rising demand for Ulva and preserving the ecological integrity of coastal areas. The cultivation on land not only addresses concerns related to over-harvesting but also aligns with sustainable practices, fostering a more resilient and balanced ecosystem.

The initiative will be separated into 4 phases:

1. Pilot Plant Project
2. Training and Capacity Building
3. Practical Training
4. Processed Products

By equipping community members with the knowledge and skills to produce and market processed Ulva products, the aim is to add significant value to the seaweed cultivation efforts. This not only broadens the range of products available to consumers but also opens up new economic opportunities for coastal communities. The combined approach of cultivating Ulva and creating processed products establishes a sustainable and economically viable model that benefits both the environment and the livelihoods of the communities involved.

Objectives:

• • Enhance the capacity of coastal communities in Ulva cultivation and processing.
  • Diversify processed Ulva products to meet market demands and increase economic value.
  • Improve market access and sales channels for locally produced Ulva products.
  • Promote sustainable resource management practices and community empowerment.
  • Engage marginalized groups, including women and people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and equity.

Rationale for Grant Funding:

Resource Acquisition: Grant funding is needed to acquire essential resources such as land, equipment, and materials for setting up Ulva cultivation ponds and processing facilities. These upfront costs are critical to initiating the project and laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.

Training and Capacity Building: Grant funding will support training programs and capacity-building initiatives for coastal residents, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for Ulva cultivation and processing. This includes workshops, mentorship, and educational materials tailored to the needs of diverse participants.

Research and Development: Grant funding will enable research and development activities to optimize Ulva cultivation techniques, enhance product quality, and innovate new processing methods. This investment in innovation is essential for staying competitive in the market and meeting evolving consumer preferences.

Market Development: Grant funding will facilitate market research, branding, and promotional activities to establish market linkages and expand sales channels for processed Ulva products. This includes participation in trade fairs, development of marketing materials, and engagement with buyers and distributors.

Infrastructure and Logistics: Grant funding will cover infrastructure investments such as storage facilities, transportation, and packaging materials to ensure the efficient and safe handling of Ulva products from cultivation to market. These investments are essential for maintaining product quality and meeting regulatory standards.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant funding will support monitoring and evaluation efforts to track project progress, measure impact, and identify areas for improvement. This includes data collection, analysis, and reporting to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in project management.

Community Engagement and Outreach: Grant funding will underpin community engagement and outreach initiatives to foster participation, build trust, and promote social cohesion within coastal communities. This includes awareness-raising campaigns, participatory decision-making processes, and inclusive events.

In summary, grant funding is essential at this stage of development to kickstart the project, cover upfront costs, and accelerate progress towards achieving transformative outcomes. By investing in Ulva cultivation and processing, the project with TRANSFORM has the potential to catalyze sustainable development and empower coastal communities for years to come.

MARIA GIGIH SETIARTI : A community educator, entrepreneur, and expert in seaweed processing with a career spanning back to 1994. Maria’s extensive experience includes advising local governments in Indonesia and conducting training programs on seaweed processing both domestically and internationally, in countries such as Fiji, Timor Leste, Tanzania, and the Solomon Islands. Her commitment to advancing the seaweed industry through education and innovative practices has been instrumental in fostering sustainable growth and development in the sector.

JULIUS BERNARDUS : Over a decade of experience in the retail and marketing sectors, collaborating with global brands such as Apple, Sony, Carrefour, and Best Denki. Currently, at Sambung Asa, Julius leverages more than three years of specialized expertise in the seaweed industry, focusing on farming, trading, and organizing training programs. His diverse background ensures a unique perspective and comprehensive approach to advancing our seaweed operations.

2 Years