Expedition to Lembata as Implementation of the CSER Program
Lembata Island is home to a diverse array of ecosystems that have the potential to significantly impact climate change research. These ecosystems are dispersed throughout the island's coastal regions, including mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. These ecosystems are essential for the protection of the littoral from erosion and serve as natural carbon absorption. Lembata Island is situated within the Wallacea region, which is a biogeographical transition zone between Asia and Australasia, in addition to its extensive biodiversity. Its strategic geographic location in the Pacific Ocean places it as an ideal observation site in the tropics. Ecosystem monitoring data from the island can be utilized to support critical research and climate change mitigation initiatives.
To achieve this objective, PT Radiant Interinsco Utama Tbk ("RADIANT") has designated Lembata Island as a climate change research and observation laboratory (Climate Laboratory) under its Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSER) program, Climate Laboratory and Nurturing Community. “Lembata Island is situated within the Wallacea region, which functions as a biogeographical transition zone between Asia and Australasia. It is also in a highly strategic location for the study of the effects of climatic change. Additionally, Lembata Island hosts natural ecosystems. Lembata's strategic geographic location in the Pacific Ocean renders it an ideal observation point for evaluating the effects of climate change in tropical regions,” according to Taufik Adityawan, Head of the Sustainability Department at RADIANT. This statement was made during the planting of Malapari in the mangrove area of Muruona Village on Friday, September 20, 2024, which was attended and witnessed by Linus Lawe, Head of UPTD KPH Lembata, and Arnoldus Pelira, Head of Muruona Village.
Figure 1. Planting of Malapari by Mr. Taufik Adityawan, Head of the Sustainability Department and Mr. Drajat Ananto Wibowo, Head of Environmental Study Department at RADIANT, alongside Mr. Arnoldus Pelira, Head of Muruona Village.
This aligns with the multiple development initiatives for Malapari (Pongamia pinnata) that are presently being implemented by PT Lembata Hira Sejahtera ("BATARA") in partnership with the Anton Enga Tifaona Foundation and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Additionally, in collaboration with RADIANT, a variety of environmentally favorable cultivation practices are being developed in addition to the procurement of superior Malapari seeds and seedlings from Lembata.
"The Malapari plant, a local species that is well-suited to the climate of Lembata, provides numerous advantages that should be capitalized on as part of climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives. This will not only mitigate the effects of increasing temperatures but also generate economic benefits for the residents of Lembata," stated Alexander Bala Tifaona, CEO of BATARA, who is participating in the ongoing Climate Laboratory research in Lembata with RADIANT.
Figure 2. Group photo with the Head of UPTD Lembata, the Head of Muruona Village, alongside the RADIANT and BATARA teams.
RADIANT has collaborated with BATARA to execute a series of Climate Laboratory research activities from September 17 to September 23, 2024. The beginning of this initiative was marked by meetings with the Sahabat Penyu Loang (SAYANG), the Riabao Village’s seaweed cultivation community, the community of pearl shell gatherers in Waijarang Village, the Imulolong Village Forest Institution, and a variety of Malapari planting activities, including the distribution of Malapari seedlings to the local community on Lembata Island.
The implementation of a variety of climate change mitigation and adaptation programs that are appropriate for the local climate and culture is anticipated as a result of the Climate Laboratory research activities on Lembata Island. By doing so, the initiatives will be sustainable and can be used as a model in a variety of locations throughout Indonesia.