Building Blue Economy to Empower Osi Island Seaweed Farmers

THE PROBLEM

The seaweed farming community on Osi Island, Maluku, faces significant challenges due to marine pollution and destructive fishing practices. These conditions hinder seaweed growth and resilience, making crops more vulnerable to diseases such as ice-ice and epiphyte infestation, locally known as bulu kucing.

Currently, there are no established strategies to address marine pollution. Farmers have attempted to establish a local seedling nursery to reduce dependence on external supplies. While the nursery survived for two months, it failed in the third month, likely due to the impacts of marine pollution. Farmers also experimented with a solar dryer; however, initial results were discouraging, as community interest was low and the dried seaweed did not meet market standards.

In post-harvest processing, farmers traditionally dry seaweed using floor-drying methods on para-para structures. However, product quality remains inconsistent and highly vulnerable to changing weather conditions. While no value-added seaweed products currently exist, women’s groups (mama-mama) have successfully developed value-added mangrove-based products and soap made from locally sourced coconut oil.

THE SOLUTION

ToTo address these challenges, our project proposes practical approaches to improve seaweed farming and promote sustainability on Osi Island. We will introduce Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqPs) and improved drying technologies to enhance seaweed quality, increase resilience to extreme weather, and improve farmers’ productivity and income stability. Sustainable fishing practices will also be promoted to reduce destructive methods such as bombing and the use of harmful substances.

Capacity-sharing activities will strengthen the community through training on environmental conservation, waste management, and sustainable livelihoods. Women’s seaweed groups will receive entrepreneurship training to develop value-added seaweed products, while youth groups will support waste management initiatives.

The project will implement IoT-based solar dryers powered by solar panels to improve drying efficiency and ensure consistent seaweed quality, reducing dependence on traditional weather-dependent drying methods.

Strong community and stakeholder engagement will underpin the project. We will work closely with government agencies, community groups, and local leaders through regular consultations and feedback to ensure inclusive and adaptive implementation.

THE EXPECTED IMPACT

The project is expected to create lasting impact for the seaweed farming community on Osi Island by strengthening economic stability, environmental sustainability, and social resilience. Through the introduction of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqPs) and IoT-based solar dryers, farmers will improve seaweed quality, increase income, and reduce vulnerability to extreme weather.

Capacity-sharing initiatives will support women and youth through entrepreneurship development and sustainable waste management, helping diversify livelihoods and strengthen community resilience. The promotion of sustainable fishing practices will support marine biodiversity and protect livelihoods for future generations.

Collaboration with government and local stakeholders will help build a supportive ecosystem for long-term sustainability and potential policy influence. With successful implementation, the project may also serve as a model for replication in other coastal communities facing similar challenges, extending its impact beyond Osi Island and contributing to broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).