Indonesia is the second-largest seaweed producer in the world after China. One of the largest seaweed producers in Indonesia comes from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province. However, many seaweed cultivation practices can potentially damage the environment and threaten the sustainability of coastal habitats. Cultivation practices that are not environmentally friendly can also reduce society's economic benefits.
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Environmentally friendly and sustainable seaweed cultivation was the main topic in the Thought Leaders Forum (TLF) discussion organized by Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), with the theme "Development of Conservation-Based Seaweed Cultivation to Support Community Ecology and Economy," in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
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![Photo Caption YKAN Executive Director Herlina Hartanto, Ph.D., and Head of Board of Patrons Shanti L. Poesposoetjipto photo with the TLF-31 panelists. © Adia Puja Pradana/YKAN](https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/ykan/risalah-alam/TLF-31_28-Feb_.jpg?crop=0%2C130%2C6240%2C3900&wid=1640&hei=1025&scl=3.8048780487804876)
![Photo Caption Head of the East Nusa Tenggara Province Maritime and Fisheries Service, Sulastri H. I. Rasyid in the TLF31 dialogue session. © Adia Puja Pradana/YKAN](https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/ykan/risalah-alam/TLF-31_28-Feb_1.jpg?crop=0%2C130%2C6240%2C3900&wid=1640&hei=1025&scl=3.8048780487804876)
![Photo Caption Tahija Foundation Executive Director Trihadi Saptoadi explained the role of the Tahija Foundation partnership in assisting seaweed cultivation in Sabu Raijua Regency, NTT. © Adia Puja Pradana/YKAN](https://natureconservancy-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/photos/ykan/risalah-alam/TLF-31_28-Feb_2.jpg?crop=0%2C0%2C6240%2C3900&wid=1640&hei=1025&scl=3.8048780487804876)
The event, which was opened by Herlina Hartanto, Executive Director of YKAN, discussed experiences from activities, especially seaweed farming communities, that gain economic benefits that go hand in hand with conservation efforts. This event also invites the private sector and financial institutions to provide support for community-based conservation efforts through increasing access to capacity, capital, and marketing.