The recommendation from the Indonesia Seaweed Association (ARLI) of the need for harmonization between areas set aside for tourism and those for coastal and island seaweed farming will soon be realized with willingness and preparedness of seaweed farming families at Pandawa Beach, Kutuh village in the district of Badung, to welcome the arrival of participants attending the 21st International Seaweed Symposium (ISS) being held from 21-26 April 2013 in Nusa Dua, Bali.
Seaweed is the main commodity of coastal families living along Pandawa Beach as well as in Nusa Penida who have proved that sustainable rural economic livelihoods are possible since the introduction of seaweed culture pioneered in early 1980 by Hariadi Adnan and Bambang Tjiptorahadi in partnership with Copenhagen Pectin, Denmark and FMC Marine Coloids, USA in tandem with Pro-Poor, Pro-Job, Pro-Growth and Pro-Environment programs.
The Kutuh village Head, I Nyoma`n Mesir, together with the Head of Sari Laut Seaweed Farming Group, I Ketut Lencana Yasa stated they will immediately undertake organizing and cleaning the seaweed farming and harvest areas, areas where tourists swim and relax as well as the small restaurants at Pandawa Beach to Made Arthajaya, Director of Business and Investment, DirGen Processing and Marketing of Fisheries Products, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, RI; Safari Azis, General Chair of ARLI who is also the Chair of the National Organizing Committee ISS and several of its members when on Thursday, 28 February 2013, the group inspected preparations for implementing the 21st International Seaweed Symposium and Exhibition.
Visitors coming from a number of countries will not only see and enjoy the sights of Pandawa Beach Fisheires and Tourism Area formally dedicated by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, RI, Sharif C. Sutardjo, on 27 December 2012, but will also learn and gain experience when becoming seaweed farmers and know the culture of the Balinese.
The Chair of ARLI, Safari Azis, also stated that those who undertake monitoring and partnering with local seaweed farmers will protect the balance of production and quality and provide market information as well as hope that there always is communication and coordination between the government and ARLI, especially to realize the industrialization program.