This project is implemented by Yayasan Kopernik on behalf of our partner who provided grant funding for this project.
We support small-scale fishers in Papua in developing a sustainable, community-based seaweed value chain to empower women, scale up production, and create value-added products to increase incomes.
Project Type
- Test Potential Solutions
Partners
THE PROBLEM
Despite Indonesia's rapid economic growth, Papua Province continues to experience severe poverty, with some districts recording poverty rates approaching 30%. Although the region possesses pristine natural conditions that are highly suitable for seaweed aquaculture—a commodity prioritized by the national government—its potential remains largely underutilized. Structural barriers, including underdeveloped logistics systems, limited access to technical training, and deeply entrenched gender disparities, prevent local communities from transforming abundant natural resources into sustainable livelihoods.
THE SOLUTION
This three-year intervention seeks to establish a complete, community-led seaweed value chain. The program adopts a phased approach: first, introducing improved farming and drying techniques and establishing localized seedling nurseries; second, scaling production and formalizing direct relationships with buyers to improve and stabilize market access. At the same time, the intervention promotes women's economic empowerment through the development of value-added products (VAPs), support for obtaining the necessary certifications, and the provision of financial literacy training, enabling women to become local entrepreneurs and business leaders.
An Eucheuma cottonii seaweed cultivation plot utilizing the longline method.
Conducting initial stakeholder engagement and a Focus Group Discussion with the community on Pai Island.
An audience meeting with the Biak Numfor Regent to present the detailed program implementation plan
THE EXPECTED IMPACT
By Year 3, the project will establish a commercially viable seaweed production system capable of shipping 64 tons of dried seaweed annually, increasing participating households’ incomes by an average of 36%. Seaweed is expected to become a resilient economic pillar, contributing more than 30% of total household income. Crucially, the intervention will strengthen women’s roles as key economic actors and decision-makers, while ensuring long-term sustainability through community cooperatives and integration with local government systems and programs.
This project is implemented by Yayasan Kopernik on behalf of our partner who provided grant funding for this project.
