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International Workshop on Enhancing the Value of Coconut Products for Coconut Farmers in Tanjung Binerean, a collaborative effort by
NAM CSSTC, ICC, and North Sulawesi’s Government
Kotamobagu, Indonesia – November 12-15th 2024. The Non-Aligned Movement Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation (NAM CSSTC), in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), International Coconut Community (ICC), and the Government of South Bolaang Mongondow (Bolsel) Regency, has successfully organized the “International Workshop on Enhancing the Value of Coconut Products for Coconut Farmers in the Wildlife Corridor of Tanjung Binerean”. Tanjung Binerean in South Bolaang Mongondow Regency is home to the endemic Maleo Bird (Macrocephalon Maleo) and is located within the Tanjung Binerean Wildlife, an ecosystem area outside the conservation zone but has a high biodiversity value in North Sulawesi province. This ecosystem area is also known for its coconut plantations, which are a significant contributor to the province's GDP, with coconut products contributing to more than 20% of agricultural exports.
H.E. Ambassador Diar Nurbintoro, Director of NAM CSSTC, delivered an opening speech emphasizing the significance of the workshop in advancing sustainable coconut farming practices, enhancing local livelihoods, and fostering wildlife conservation efforts within the region. To formalize this collaboration, NAM CSSTC, ICC, and Bolsel Regency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), symbolizing their shared commitment to collaborations and innovation in the coconut sector and wildlife conservation.
The 4-day workshop had several objectives such as: providing new understanding, approaches, and new sets of skills for farmers regarding environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture in Tanjung Bineran (especially the cultivation of coconut plants and their derivative products); conducting information sharing and learning between farmers that is more contextual to the conditions of coconut farming, land use, and recovery efforts; and last, forming a Sustainable Coconut Processing Industry Partnership in Tanjung Binerean, North Sulawesi between local coconut farmers and the community, business owners, and investors in the coconut processing industry.
On the first two days of the workshop, participants had the chance to learn and discuss various topics ranging from topics of the Tanjung Binerean wildlife conservation efforts to topics of the development of the coconut industry. The workshop featured a series of expert-led discussions, including contributions from Mrs. Sarapee Yuadyong of Chiwadi Products Co., Ltd Thailand, who presented insight on developing the Coconut Sugar Industry, and Mr. Asep Jember Mulyana, CEO of House of Charcoal, Indonesia, who explored opportunities in Coconut Shell Charcoal Production and strategies for empowering smallholder businesses in the coconut sector.
Moreover, the committee also organized field trips for all participants to Mataindo and Tanjung Binerean, gaining first-hand insights into the conservation efforts for the Maleo Bird and green turtle while exploring the region’s wildlife ecosystem.
The workshop was concluded with a discussion about the establishment of a sustainable partnership for the coconut processing industry in Tanjung Binerean. The Director of NAM CSSTC also reiterated his appreciation for all parties involved and emphasized further the importance of collaboration for sustainable development in this region.
This initiative underscores NAM CSSTC’s dedication to fostering economic growth, biodiversity conservation, and South-South Cooperation for the benefit of local communities.
(Susin Reksa Putri).
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