Abstract

This study describes a study on waste management in Indonesia. Wastes produced by the inhabitants of Bunaken Island and transported by sea from Manado city, contribute to the destruction of the marine ecosystem in Bunaken National Marine Park. Urgent and smart steps need to be taken in order to manage the waste on the island and its sea shore. This study elaborates on a multiparty collaboration program in environmentally sound waste management as an effort to mitigate the impact of waste on the Bunaken sea garden ecosystem. The program covers waste management, community empowerment and a common vision to reduce waste from its source. Its flagship program is the community-based “Rubbish Bank”. The program included socialization of the Rubbish Bank, setting up of a waste management hierarchy and feedback from the community. Due to its approach and scope, this study provides a best-practice example of local community-based initiatives to manage waste in a developing country context, by establishing Rubbish Bank and its technical guidance so that the program can be applied and replicated easily by any other community.

Keywords:

Bunaken Island, community empowerment, rubbish bank, self-help group, waste management,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

Open Access Policy

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Copyright

The authors have no competing interests.