In the heart of East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, a unique greening initiative is transforming the landscape and livelihoods of local communities. The ‘Hijau Manise’ program, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by PT Muria Sumba Manis, is not just about planting trees; it’s about fostering a sense of ownership and long-term commitment among the villagers. This approach, detailed in a recent study published in the BIO Web of Conferences, could revolutionize how we think about sustainability and community engagement in the energy sector.
The study, led by Nurfitria Ramadhani Astrid of the Indonesian Social Sustainability Forum (ISSF), delves into the underlying values that drive community participation in greening initiatives. Since 2019, East Sumba has been grappling with extreme drought, which has exacerbated poverty and food insecurity. Greening initiatives, which help regulate microclimates and improve soil fertility, offer a potential solution to induce rainfall and support sustainable agriculture. However, many past efforts have faltered due to technical challenges and a lack of community attachment to the planted trees.
The ‘Hijau Manise’ program, which translates to ‘Sweet Green,’ takes a different tack. It integrates a community value-based approach, ensuring that the villagers are not just beneficiaries but active participants in the process. “We’ve seen that when communities feel a sense of ownership and understand the long-term benefits, they are more likely to commit to these initiatives,” Astrid explains.
The study, conducted across seven villages in five sub-districts, used a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. This method involves the community at every stage, from planning to evaluation, ensuring that the initiative is truly community-driven. The research identified prosperity and social justice as the most influential values in fostering long-term commitment. Liberty and sustainability served as supporting enablers, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach.
The findings have significant implications for the energy sector. As companies increasingly focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, understanding how to engage communities effectively is crucial. The ‘Hijau Manise’ model shows that by aligning with community values, companies can create initiatives that are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable in the long run.
The study, published in the BIO Web of Conferences, underscores the importance of continuous stakeholder involvement. This approach ensures that greening efforts are sustainable and community-driven, addressing both the technical and social barriers that have hindered past initiatives. As Astrid puts it, “It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about planting the seeds of a sustainable future.”
The ‘Hijau Manise’ program is a testament to the power of community engagement and value-based approaches. As we look to the future, this model could shape how we approach sustainability in the energy sector, creating initiatives that are not only green but also meaningful and enduring. The study serves as a call to action for companies and policymakers to prioritize community values in their sustainability efforts, paving the way for a greener, more equitable future.