Rachele Daminelli Documents the Seaweed Farmers of Nusa Lembongan
Fostering Marine Ecosystems for Land Survival
Nusa Lembongan, an island off the southeast coast of Bali, Indonesia, has a thriving seaweed farming industry that has become a vital source of income for its residents. This tradition dates back to the 1980s and has grown significantly since, thanks in part to the global demand for carrageenan, a substance extracted from seaweed used in various industries.
Photographer Rachele Daminelli has been documenting the lives of the seaweed farmers in Nusa Lembongan, capturing their daily struggles and triumphs as they work to support their families and communities. Her work sheds light on the importance of this industry and the resilience of those who work within it.
The Seaweed Farming Process
Seaweed farming on Nusa Lembongan is a labour-intensive process that involves planting algae during low tide and collecting it when it's dry. The seaweed is then laid out to dry in the sun before being transported to processing facilities. One notable aspect of seaweed farming on the island is that it does not require pesticides or freshwater, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Supporting the Community and Planet
The seaweed farmers in Nusa Lembongan are committed to practices that benefit their communities, families, and the planet. They are conscious of their environmental impact and work to maintain beach and foreshore cleanliness. Additionally, the waste generated from seaweed cultivation can be used as fertilizers for land-based agriculture, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its benefits, the seaweed farming industry in Nusa Lembongan faces several challenges. Farmers struggle with market price volatility, competition from imported seaweed products, and climate-related issues like sea temperature rise and storm damage. However, there are also opportunities for growth, such as improving farming techniques, increasing value-added processing locally, and enhancing sustainable management practices.
Community-based organizations and NGOs are actively promoting training, certification, and diversification to increase resilience within the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic had temporary negative effects on export markets, but recovery is underway with renewed focus on sustainable practices.
A Balancing Act
Rachele Daminelli's work highlights the delicate balance between economic benefits and ecological stewardship in the seaweed farming industry. By documenting the lives of the farmers in Nusa Lembongan, she emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to foster adaptive and sustainable coastal communities.
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