<p style="text-align: justify; ;">We partner with governments, businesses, civil society groups and others to change the way the world produces and uses food and energy and designs its cities. Our 100+ projects span from advising mayors on how to reduce traffic fatalities to working with restaurant chains to cut food waste to powering rural healthcare facilities with clean energy. We mobilize global and regional initiatives that spur international climate action, advance sustainable ocean management, halt tropical deforestation, restore degraded landscapes and more.</p>

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<p>We know from history that agriculture brought the dawn of human civilization. It produces food, fiber, and other goods consumed by the world population. Unfortunately, some practices hurt the ecosystem with excessive use of fertilizer and uncontrollable water use. To address this issue, scientists and practitioners strive to optimize the practice of sustainable agriculture which balanced environmental, social, and economical aspects.</p>

<h3><strong>Journal of Suboptimal Land Agriculture: Optimization of Land Management</strong></h3><p><strong>Suboptimal land</strong> refers to land that has natural limitations, such as low fertility levels, high soil acidity, or drainage issues, requiring special interventions to be utilized optimally. In Indonesia, most suboptimal land includes peat soil, marginal dry land, and freshwater swamps. With a significant land area, suboptimal land agriculture holds great potential to support the agricultural sector, provided that it is managed properly through sustainable and innovative approaches.</p><h3><strong>Definition of Suboptimal Land and Its Challenges</strong></h3><p>In simple terms, <strong>suboptimal land agriculture</strong> refers to land with physical, chemical, or biological characteristics that do not support intensive agricultural cultivation without improvements or special management. Some characteristics of suboptimal land include low pH (acidic soil), poor drainage (either too wet or too dry), and low nutrient content. Despite these challenges, this land type holds great potential to be developed into productive agricultural areas when managed with the right approach.</p><h3><strong>Strategies for Optimizing Suboptimal Land Management</strong></h3><h4><strong>1. Sustainable Peatland Management</strong></h4><p>Peatland, which falls under the suboptimal category, requires special attention. One of the key strategies is peatland ecosystem restoration through methods such as rewetting (re-moistening), revegetation (replanting native vegetation), and drainage control. These steps aim to maintain soil moisture, prevent fires, and optimize the ecological functions of peatland.</p><h4><strong>2. Utilizing Agricultural Technology for Suboptimal Land</strong></h4><p>Modern technology, such as precision irrigation, satellite-based monitoring, and eco-friendly organic fertilizers, can help increase suboptimal land productivity. With technology, farmers can identify specific soil and crop needs, leading to higher yields without harming the ecosystem.</p><h4><strong>3. Crop Engineering</strong></h4><p>Developing crop varieties that tolerate suboptimal land conditions, such as swamp rice or drought-resistant maize, is a key solution for utilizing this land. These varieties are designed to thrive in less-than-ideal environments, ensuring optimal productivity.</p><h4><strong>4. Empowering Local Communities</strong></h4><p>Local communities must be actively involved in every effort to manage suboptimal land. Education on sustainable agricultural practices, such as peat-friendly crops or integrated fish farming in swamp areas, can provide economic benefits while preserving the environment.</p><h4><strong>5. Effective Water Management</strong></h4><p>Proper drainage control is essential for suboptimal land, especially for peatland and swamp areas. By constructing canal blocks and maintaining balanced water levels, the land can be optimized without the risk of excessive drying or flooding.</p><h3><strong>Benefits of Suboptimal Land Optimization</strong></h3><p>Optimizing suboptimal land provides significant benefits, both environmentally and economically.</p><h4><strong>1. Enhancing Agricultural Productivity</strong></h4><p>By implementing proper water and land management, suboptimal land can be used for agriculture, such as sago, coconut, or other environmentally friendly crops.</p><h4><strong>2. Preventing Ecosystem Degradation</strong></h4><p>Sustainable land management helps reduce soil degradation risks, carbon emissions, and ecological disasters such as peatland fires.</p><h4><strong>3. Improving Local Economic Growth</strong></h4><p>By optimizing suboptimal land, local communities have new opportunities to increase their income through agriculture, livestock, or fisheries.</p><p>For example, properly managed peatland can be used to grow sago, coconut, or other environmentally friendly crops. In addition, swamp land can be integrated with fish farming, creating a more productive and sustainable farming system.</p><h3><strong>Challenges in Managing Suboptimal Land</strong></h3><p>Despite its vast potential, suboptimal land management faces various challenges. Some of these include limited access to technology, lack of farmer knowledge on sustainable management, and conflicts between conservation and economic exploitation. Additionally, high rehabilitation costs are often a barrier, particularly in remote areas.</p><h3><strong>Solutions and Recommendations</strong></h3><p>To overcome these challenges, a <strong>comprehensive and collaborative approach</strong> is needed. Some recommendations include:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration</strong>: Governments, private sectors, and local communities must work together to ensure sustainable suboptimal land management. Incentive programs for companies adopting environmentall<strong>y friendly practices</strong> can encourage <strong>greater investment</strong>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Education and Training</strong>: Providing training to local farmers on modern agricultural techniques and environmental sustainability is key to success.</p></li><li><p><strong>Utilizing Data and Technology</strong>: Data-driven land mapping systems can help identify priority areas for restoration and development.</p></li></ul><h3><strong>Journal of Suboptimal Land Agriculture</strong></h3><p>Although suboptimal land has various limitations, it holds great potential to support Indonesia’s agricultural sector. By understanding the definition of suboptimal land, recognizing its characteristics, and utilizing its potential wisely, this land can be transformed into a productive asset that contributes to food security and environmental sustainability. With planned management, supported by technology and collaboration, suboptimal land agriculture can become a key pillar in national agricultural development.</p><h3><strong>The Future of Suboptimal Land Agriculture</strong></h3><p>Suboptimal land in Indonesia faces major challenges but also presents extraordinary opportunities for optimization. With the right approach, technological innovation, and collaboration among various parties, suboptimal land can be a solution to support food security, economic sustainability, and environmental conservation.</p><p>One inspiring example is <a href="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/our-work/our-project/peatland-research/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Tay Juhana Foundation</a>, which has been a pioneer in managing suboptimal land agriculture sustainably. With a focus on environmentally friendly cultivation, they have proven that suboptimal land agriculture can become a productive resource to meet food demands. With support and joint efforts, this initiative can accelerate the transformation of suboptimal land into a valuable asset for all.</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tayjuhanafoundation/?hl=id" target="_new" rel="noopener">Tay Juhana Foundation</a> has shown that sustainably managing suboptimal land is not just possible but is already happening. Let’s join forces to create a greener and more sustainable future. Awareness, support, and real action from all stakeholders are key steps to ensuring this initiative’s success.</p><p>Together, we can transform suboptimal land into a source of hope for future generations.</p><p><strong>Let’s take action for a sustainable future, today.</strong> 🌍</p>

Journal of Suboptimal Land Agriculture: Optimization of Land Management

<p>Proudly present to you our Annual Report 2024, capturing our journey in driving sustainable agricultural innovation. Under the theme “Contributions to Global Food Sustainability,” we remained committed throughout the year to maximizing the untapped potential of suboptimal lands, redefining them as “land for future food” as part of our mission to ensure food security for humanity.</p><p></p><p>As we step into 2025, we are dedicated to scaling our impact by expanding research, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships to ensure that food security is not just a vision, but a reality for all.</p><p></p><p>To our partners, stakeholders, and communities, thank you for being part of this journey. We hope this report not only provides valuable insights but also inspires collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable food future.</p>

Annual Report 2024: Contributions to Global Food Sustainability

<p class="cvGsUA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body">Masa depan pangan dunia menghadapi tantangan yang semakin kompleks, mulai dari perubahan iklim, berkurangnya lahan subur, hingga meningkatnya kebutuhan pangan akibat pertumbuhan populasi. Di tengah tantangan tersebut, lahan basah hadir sebagai harapan baru. Dengan luas mencapai jutaan hektar di Indonesia, lahan basah menyimpan potensi luar biasa untuk mendukung ketahanan pangan sekaligus menjaga keseimbangan ekosistem.</p><p class="cvGsUA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body">Buku ini hadir untuk mengupas praktik-praktik pertanian berkelanjutan yang dilakukan di lahan basah, termasuk rawa dan gambut, sebagai solusi inovatif dalam mendukung ketahanan pangan nasional. Melalui kisah-kisah inspiratif dari petani lokal, buku ini tidak hanya memberikan panduan praktis, tetapi juga membuka wawasan tentang pentingnya lahan basah bagi masa depan pangan dan keberlanjutan lingkungan.</p>

Buku Kisah Sukses Bertani di Lahan Basah

<p>The study explores the role of social capital in promoting social sustainability within small-scale coconut plantations in Indragiri Hilir, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative approach, this preliminary research engaged 65 farmers and 15 middlemen through extensive in-depth interviews and group discussions. Spanning diverse rural landscapes across the coastal areas of Indragiri Hilir—including Pulau Burung, Kateman, Tanah Merah, Teluk Belengkong, Pelangiran, Tembilahan, Enok, Sungai Batang, and Reteh Districts, covering 15 villages—the study addresses specific challenges and opportunities for sustainable practices unique to each locality. Through a nuanced examination of bonding, bridging, and linking forms of social capital, the findings underscore the pivotal role of social capital in fostering social sustainability.</p><p>This encompasses aspects such as agricultural finance, supply chain dynamics, agricultural regeneration, and sustainable land management, facilitated by knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and collective action. The research highlights that the relationships among farmers, characterized as “bonding social capital,” constitute the fundamental basis for coconut ecosystem sustainability. However, addressing more complex challenges and meeting advanced needs requires expanding relationships beyond homogeneous groups of farmers. Therefore, fostering connections among actors at different levels and scales, represented by “bridging and linking social capital,” becomes crucial because vertical connections serve as a conduit to enhance bonding capital through interactions with external stakeholders.</p><p><strong>Download the Full Paper <a href="https://www.bio-conferences.org/articles/bioconf/abs/2025/09/bioconf_icsard2024_02001/bioconf_icsard2024_02001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>

Defining social sustainability through social capital in the small-scale coconut plantation ecosystem in Indragiri Hilir, Indonesia: A preliminary study

<p><strong>Discover how coconut-based agroforestry and paludiculture systems are revolutionizing peatland management.</strong></p><p>Our latest brief unveils this innovative approach’s potential to restore degraded peatlands and boost local economies. Learn how intercropping with crops like areca nut, cassava, and coffee can enhance soil health, increase biodiversity, and provide sustainable food sources. This powerful combination offers a promising pathway to address peatland regions’ food insecurity and ecological challenges. Dive into the details and explore the possibilities of this transformative land-use practice.</p>

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