"Foresta alimentare" per rafforzare la sicurezza alimentare e il turismo a Labuan Bajo

In the coastal town of Labuan Bajo, located in the West Manggarai district of East Nusa Tenggara province, officials have launched a project known as the “food forest” initiative aimed at enhancing both food security and sustainable tourism. The effort, spearheaded by the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs in partnership with the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency (BPOLBF), involves cultivating a diverse array of fruit trees in the Parapuar region. The goal is to create a self-sustaining agricultural model that supports local livelihoods while contributing to the broader economic and ecological goals of the region. The initiative was discussed during the Sunset Dialogue titled “Food Forest: From Tourism Landscape to Food Security Landscape,” which took place in Natas Parapuar. The dialogue brought together representatives from the central government, regional authorities, business sectors, academic institutions, local communities, and residents. It marked part of a larger effort to monitor the progress of regional food security programs, emphasizing the need for integrated planning that aligns with national priorities. According to Dirhansyah Conbul, Secretary to the Deputy for Food Affordability and Security at the ministry, all government initiatives must prioritize direct benefits for local populations. He emphasized that promoting forest-based local food as a source of income could significantly enhance the local economy. The planting of economically valuable fruit trees, such as Miyazaki, Nam Dok Mai, Agrimania, and Kiojay mangoes, along with Black Diamond guava, Alligator Jumbo avocado, and Jumbo Thailand sapodilla, was carried out before the dialogue began, serving as a symbolic gesture of support for environmental conservation and the development of the food forest concept. Acting President Director of BPOLBF, Andhy M.T. Marpaung, noted that Labuan Bajo’s designation as a Super Priority Tourism Destination necessitates a holistic approach to development. He explained that integrating tourism, food security, and environmental protection through the food forest concept ensures that local communities benefit directly from sustainable practices. This strategy, he argued, represents a model of quality and long-term tourism development that balances economic gains with ecological responsibility. The food forest project is part of a broader national push to expand the use of forests for food production and energy generation, with plans to boost GDP growth in 2026. Additionally, recent calls from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have urged greater efforts to safeguard the region’s forests, highlighting the growing recognition of their role in both climate resilience and economic stability. Local farmers and community leaders have expressed cautious optimism about the project’s potential. They see the introduction of high-value crops as an opportunity to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on traditional farming methods. However, they also acknowledge the challenges of maintaining such an initiative, particularly in terms of initial investment, technical expertise, and market access. Moving forward, the success of the food forest project will depend on sustained collaboration between government agencies, private enterprises, and local stakeholders. Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are being established to track progress and address emerging issues promptly. The involvement of academics and researchers is also crucial in adapting best practices to the specific conditions of the region. As the project takes root, its impact on both food security and tourism is expected to unfold gradually. With continued support and adaptive management, the food forest initiative aims to serve as a blueprint for similar efforts in other parts of Indonesia, demonstrating how sustainable development can simultaneously address pressing social and environmental concerns.