From the Ocean and Seaweed: Growing Life Together in Tasilo Village

Capacity building became the next priority. YKAN and its partners organized a series of sustainable seaweed farming trainings covering the introduction of Best Management Practices (BMP), understanding technical challenges in line with government policies, and education on the role of coastal and marine ecosystems in supporting long-term success. These trainings helped farmers realize that production success is inseparable from the health of mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and other marine life that sustain the coastal environment.

However, field challenges have demonstrated that theory alone is insufficient. Many farmers found it challenging to translate BMP concepts into their daily practices. The program introduced sustainable seaweed farming demonstration plots (demplot) to address this. These demplots allowed farmers to select superior seed varieties, cut seeds from thalli, carry out proper maintenance, and determine the optimal harvest time—at least 45 days after planting to achieve the best carrageenan quality. This hands-on approach improved understanding and gave farmers the confidence to apply better, more consistent farming practices.

The community also faced the challenge of post-harvest seaweed quality. Conventional drying methods often led to contamination from sand and dirt and produced uneven moisture levels. The program introduced drying racks with mesh bases for airflow and plastic tarps for protection against rain and dew. This simple innovation enhanced the quality of dried seaweed, ensured optimal carrageenan content, and simplified the management of farmers’ harvests.

Beyond production, the program emphasized data management and evidence-based learning. Seed growth monitoring was conducted every 10 days at the demplots, enabling farmers to track growth rates, detect problems early, and make timely improvements. Although seaweed production in 2024 was disrupted by ice-ice disease (a stress condition in seaweed), the groups remained focused on strengthening seed stocks as a long-term foundation. Production data from 2023, which recorded over 11 tons of dried seaweed from the two groups, became an important benchmark for assessing the program’s future impact.

Efforts to improve community welfare did not stop at raw material production. The program also encouraged value-added initiatives through training on derivative seaweed products and simple financial record-keeping. These skills opened new opportunities for business development, improved financial transparency, and fostered long-term economic sustainability.

Throughout the program, various challenges arose, including previously unsustainable farming practices, year-round seed shortages, difficulty understanding theory, and disease outbreaks. Each challenge was met with knowledge-based solutions, mentoring, and collaboration. BMP ensured farming practices did not harm coastal ecosystems. Strengthened seed management allowed year-round production. Hands-on demplot training bridged the gap between theory and practice. Drying innovations improved post-harvest quality. Routine monitoring and practice improvements helped groups adapt to environmental and disease-related disruptions.

More than simply boosting seaweed production, this initiative instilled sustainability values in farming practices. Tasilo Village is now not only recognized as a seaweed farming hub but also as a model of how coastal communities can be at the forefront of protecting the ocean while improving their livelihoods. The story of Tasilo proves that when knowledge, partnership, and community spirit come together, the sea provides not only harvests but also hope.