Description
Natural Aceh is a youth community passionate about the environment and advocates for those who depend on it. We assist hundreds of traditional women oyster gatherers on the coast of Aceh who were affected by the tsunami. Our initiative involves teaching, mentoring, and creating environmentally friendly oyster collectors. Through this initiative, oyster gathering becomes easier (saving work time), income increases, quality of life improves, and coastal ecosystems are preserved and thriving. Natural Aceh believes in the power of youth-driven environmental action to bring positive change to coastal communities. By empowering traditional oyster gatherers, we not only enhance their livelihoods but also contribute to the preservation of coastal ecosystems. Our activities include training sessions on sustainable oyster collection techniques, providing eco-friendly oyster collection tools, and offering ongoing support and mentorship to the women involved. Our initiative has achieved measurable impacts on both the environment and the community. We have observed a significant reduction in the time required for oyster gathering, allowing women to allocate more time to other activities or rest. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in income among participants, leading to improved economic stability and well-being. Furthermore, the adoption of eco-friendly oyster collection practices has contributed to the conservation of coastal habitats and biodiversity. Through partnerships with local authorities, NGOs, and academic institutions, Natural Aceh is working to scale up our initiative to reach more coastal communities in need. We believe that by sharing our experiences and best practices, we can inspire similar initiatives in other regions facing similar challenges. Natural Aceh is committed to promoting environmental sustainability, supporting local livelihoods, and fostering resilience in coastal communities. We are honored to be considered for the Equator Prize 2024 and welcome the opportunity to showcase our efforts on a global platform.
Nature Element: Oceans and coasts, Wetlands and rivers
Type of Action: Awareness building and education, Ecosystem protection, Gender equality, Partnerships with public or private organizations
Sustainable Development Element: Jobs and livelihoods (SDG 1) , Food security (SDG 2) , Gender equality (SDG 5) , Sustainable communities and disaster risk reduction (SDG 11)
Nature Element: Oceans and coasts, Wetlands and rivers
Type of Action: Awareness building and education, Ecosystem protection, Gender equality, Partnerships with public or private organizations
Sustainable Development Element: Jobs and livelihoods (SDG 1) , Food security (SDG 2) , Gender equality (SDG 5) , Sustainable communities and disaster risk reduction (SDG 11)
Environmental Impacts
Natural Aceh's initiative has had significant environmental impacts through ecosystem protection, restoration, and sustainable management practices. By promoting eco-friendly oyster collection techniques and tools, we have minimized habitat destruction and ecosystem degradation along the coastal areas of Aceh. One of the primary environmental benefits of our initiative is the preservation of biodiversity. By reducing the use of destructive harvesting methods, such as dredging or over-harvesting, we have helped safeguard the rich biodiversity found in coastal ecosystems. Oysters play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by filtering water, providing habitat for other species, and supporting overall marine biodiversity. Our sustainable practices ensure the continued health and resilience of these ecosystems, benefiting a wide range of marine species. Furthermore, our efforts contribute to climate change mitigation by protecting and restoring coastal habitats. Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and seagrass beds, are highly effective carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By preserving these habitats, we help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, healthy coastal ecosystems provide natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges, enhancing the resilience of coastal communities to the impacts of climate change. Overall, Natural Aceh's initiative has resulted in tangible environmental improvements by promoting ecosystem protection, restoration, and sustainable management practices. By prioritizing the health and integrity of coastal ecosystems, we contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and the long-term sustainability of coastal communities in Aceh and beyond.
Sustainable Development Impacts
Seguridad Alimentaria: La promoción de la agroecología como un sistema de producción que garantiza el acceso a alimentos mediante la diversificación agrícola y la valoración de conocimientos ancestrales. Igualdad de Genero: La organización está conformada en su totalidad por mujeres, como una expresión viva de las necesidades e intereses de mujeres mayas para su reconocimiento y su empoderamiento económico, así como la integración de su participación mediante procesos de incidencia local. Consumo y Producción Sostenible: Los emprendimientos desarrollados por mujeres han demostrado ser sostenibles pero además ambientalmente responsables, debido a la pertinencia hacia los bienes y recursos naturales. Acción Climática: El aporte de las mujeres sobre sus conocimientos y procesos vinculadas a la protección de la diversidad biológica contribuye en la creación de mecanismos de resiliencia climática.
RESILIENCE, ADAPTABILITY, AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY
La adaptabilidad ante los retos ambientales, sociales y económicos se ha realizado desde una perspectiva de género, rescatando sus conocimientos en la protección de especies nativas, el uso de plantas medicinales y la protección de la germoplasma, han logrado mantener la fortaleza de su organización a A pesar de ser señalado por parte de los mismos hombres como una acción “revolucionaría” de los parámetros tradicionales de organización y de participación acaparada por los hombres, esto mismo sucede en su participación política local. Su trayectoria de más de 22 años debe ser un indicador importante en un país cuyo contexto social la participación de la mujer es limitada. Esto se ha convertido incluso en amenazas hechas con su integridad física, discriminación y racismo, que han podido superar el estado organizado.
REDUCED INEQUALITIES
El territorio Q´anjob´al se ha caracterizado por una historia de opresión y marginación. AMEDIPK es una organización integrada por mujeres mayas, por lo que son una representación de las condiciones adversas para este sector de la población. Por tal razón el enfoque de derechos humanos y de pueblos indígenas surge como un principio de trabajo para AMEDIPK, retomando acciones de reivindicación de derechos específicos de comunidades y pueblos indígenas como un mecanismo para la reducción de las desigualdades, así como su participación en espacios de toma de decisión, eso se puede corroborar con la consulta de buena fe que AMEDIPK lideró en el año 2005 frente a las presiones de la imposición de proyectos extractivistas en sus territorios.
GENDER EQUALITY
La iniciativa es liderada en su totalidad por mujeres mayas Q´anjobales de diferentes edades, han transcurrido varios momentos que han marcado la identidad y la cohesión organizacional de las mujeres, inicialmente la organización incluso nombro a un hombre como gerente de la organización y que con el transcurso del tiempo las mismas mujeres definieron sus prioridades y como una muestra de su liderazgo y apropiación definieron su política interna en la cual los cargos de dirección y de junta directiva estuvieron ocupados por mujeres únicamente para mantener un principio coherente con sus formas de organización.
Scalability
To scale up our initiative nationally, we would establish partnerships with governmental agencies, NGOs, and private sector entities to replicate our model in other coastal regions. By sharing best practices, providing technical assistance, and leveraging existing networks, we can expand the reach and impact of our sustainable oyster gathering initiative across the country.
Replicability
Our initiative's approach, focusing on eco-friendly tools, training, and community empowerment, can be replicated in other coastal regions globally. By sharing our experiences, providing technical assistance, and fostering partnerships, we can support the adoption of sustainable oyster gathering practices in diverse contexts, contributing to the preservation of coastal ecosystems and the well-being of coastal communities worldwide.
Disclaimer: The content presented in this Nature-based Solutions Database is submitted directly by Natural Aceh and does not reflect the views or positions of the UNDP Equator Initiative. We do not edit or endorse the information provided, nor are we responsible for its accuracy. Our platform serves solely as a space for Indigenous Peoples and Local Community (IPLC) organizations to showcase their work and share their stories in their own words.






