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This article is written by Frangky.
Manado City Business Center. Photo Credit: Tribun Manado.
Activities in Manado that can help reduce CO2 emissions, along with their estimated impacts based on our field findings and Indonesian environmental strategies.
1. Installing Rooftop Solar Panels
Houses of the residents of Manado. Photo Credit: Alamy.
Solar energy adoption can reduce emissions by approximately 0.85 kg of CO2 per kWh generated, replacing fossil-fuel sources. However, in Manado, the installation of solar panels is still relatively low, indicating significant potential for growth. Promoting household and business rooftop solar could substantially reduce electricity-based emissions and align with Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) plan. Expanding solar adoption in Manado can play a crucial role in enhancing sustainability efforts.
2. Mangrove Reforestation Projects
Yosis Makasenda is a mangrove guide at Rap-Rap Beach, Tongkaina. About 14 km from Manado. Photo Credit: RRI.
Mangroves can sequester up to 1.5 metric tons of CO2 per hectare annually. Manado’s coastal areas could benefit from increased mangrove coverage for both carbon storage and coastal protection. The dominant species identified include Sonneratia alba, Rhizophora mucronata, and Rhizophora apiculata. The Mangrove ecosystem in this area is quite rich. The area of mangrove forest in North Sulawesi is estimated to cover approximately 33,293.49 hectares. These mangrove forests play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems and support biodiversity. There are 20 different mangrove species found in the region, contributing to a diverse mangrove forest, particularly around Mantehage Island in Bunaken National Park.
3. Biopac Seaweed-Based Packaging
Introducing plastic-free Biopac packaging to the community to the community in the Tongkaina beach area. Photo Credit: Ecofiera.
Seaweed actively absorbs CO2 during its growth. Each hectare of seaweed farm can absorb up to 3 tons of CO2 annually while replacing plastic packaging, further reducing plastic pollution. Biopac packaging plays a dual role by capturing carbon and offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic, aligning with Indonesia's environmental goals.
4. Encouraging Cycling and Walking
Peloton Membara Cycling Community and the Tourism-Conscious Society along with the Women Cycling Manado group. Photo Credit: Berita Manado.
Promoting non-motorized transport reduces around 0.2 kg of CO2 per km per car trip avoided. Expanding bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure supports this shift. Cycling is a popular activity in Manado, attracting enthusiasts of all levels. Our city hosts various cycling events such as cyclothons, marathons, and duathlons, which encourage both fitness and community participation. Cycling in Manado is not just a sport but a way to engage with the community and promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
5. Waste Recycling and Composting
Photo Credit: Kanawa Studio.
To educate the Manado community about the importance of composting organic waste and the benefits of a community-based recycling system, we can adopt a multifaceted approach involving education, participation, and collaboration.
Workshops and Demonstrations:
Organize hands-on composting workshops in collaboration with local schools, universities, or environmental groups.
Demonstrate the composting process: Collect organic waste (food scraps, leaves) and show how it decomposes into useful compost.
Set up community composting stations at local markets or residential areas where residents can drop off organic waste and see the results.
Example:
A compost garden can be installed at Manado parks or beaches like Tongkaina to show the practical use of compost in maintaining plants.
Partner with schools to run student-led compost programs where waste from canteens is composted and used for school gardens.
6. Sustainable Fish Farming (Solar-Powered Aerators)
Mujair (Tilapia) fish farming in Kaweruan village, Likupang Selatan, Minahasa Utara, North Sulawesi. About 36 km from Manado. Photo Credit: Tribun Minut.
Replacing diesel-powered equipment with solar alternatives in fish farms can cut emissions by 2-3 tons of CO2 annually per installation, improving environmental sustainability.
Solar-Powered Aerators for Fish Ponds. Aerators are essential for maintaining oxygen levels in fish farms. Switching from diesel-powered to solar-powered aerators can significantly reduce emissions. A fish farm that installs solar panels to run aerators continuously can save 2-3 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Hybrid Solar-Diesel Backup Systems. Some fish farms require power throughout the night. Installing a hybrid solar-diesel system ensures that solar power is the primary source, with diesel as a backup. A solar-diesel hybrid can cut at least 50% of fuel consumption, reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs. Collaborating with the private sector and solar providers to set up demonstration farms can encourage adoption among other farmers.
Solar Energy for Cooling and Pumps. Fish farms use pumps and cooling systems to manage water quality. Solar-powered pumps can be installed to circulate water efficiently. Fish farms switching to solar pumps can achieve significant CO2 reductions while ensuring consistent water quality. The Manado government can partner with solar energy companies to conduct workshops and training on solar technology for fish farmers.
7. Developing Green Tourism Initiatives
Flower Park of Tomohon City. About 15 km from Manado. Photo Credit: Kompas.
Promoting eco-tourism with low-emission transport options can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of tourism activities, exemplified by the development of a Garden Alley in Manado, which would feature electric bikes and walking paths connecting tourists to local attractions. This vibrant pathway, lined with local flora, showcases the rich biodiversity of the region and, given its proximity to Tomohon—the Flower City—allows tourists to enjoy stunning flower gardens while strolling or cycling.
This eco-tourism initiative could potentially cut emissions by up to 10% compared to conventional tourism, as it encourages the use of sustainable practices such as electric vehicles and walking, thereby enhancing the tourist experience while contributing to CO2 emissions reduction. Furthermore, the Manado government can partner with local businesses to develop and maintain the Garden Alley, organizing workshops on sustainable practices for communities and engaging local flower farmers to enrich the authenticity of the experience, positioning Manado as a leading destination for green tourism in Indonesia while preserving the environment and boosting the local economy.
8. Ramahati: A Green Platform for Sustainable Solutions
Illustration by Ramahati.
Ramahati's technology integration platform (under development) can serve as a central hub for information sharing, community engagement, and resource allocation, enabling stakeholders to collaborate effectively on these initiatives. By providing real-time monitoring and reporting tools, Ramahati can track progress and measure the impact of these activities on CO2 emissions reduction in Manado.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainability and engage the community in environmental stewardship, ensuring that efforts to reduce CO2 emissions are well-supported and effectively implemented. Through collaboration with local governments, private sectors, and communities, Ramahati can amplify the collective impact of these activities, creating a sustainable future for Manado.
Is your village interested in becoming part of the Eco-Friendly Community by leveraging natural resources? You can register for our complimentary webinar using the link below. Simply select a convenient date, and we will organize the appropriate speaker to discuss your village's development opportunities. Please ensure that you have consulted with your local Village Head prior to signing up. This free webinar accommodates 10 to 90 participants. Click the “Book Webinar” button below to get started!
