RRI.CO.ID, Ternate - Indonesia is advancing the conservation and sustainable use of crop diversity through the CDCSUI program in North Maluku. The initiative was discussed during the Technical Working Group meeting in Ternate, Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The Crop Diversity Conservation for Sustainable Use in Indonesia (CDCSUI) is a program that focuses on protecting and sustainably utilizing local plant genetic resources. The program is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The program aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation while promoting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers’ welfare. In North Maluku, the initiative will be implemented in Tidore Islands City and South Halmahera Regency.

Assistant II for Economic and Development Administration of North Maluku, Sri Haryanti Hatari, said the program has strategic importance for protecting local plant resources. She delivered the statement during the CDCSUI Technical Working Group meeting in Ternate.

She encouraged local communities to preserve the region’s plant genetic diversity, especially as North Maluku is known as one of Indonesia’s major spice-producing regions. The program is also expected to create added economic value while maintaining ecosystem balance.

The initiative focuses on conserving local crops through in-situ and ex-situ conservation approaches. It also seeks to ensure agricultural biodiversity can provide sustainable benefits for communities.

The Head of Administration of the Agricultural Modernization Implementation Center of North Maluku, Chris Sugihono, highlighted the region’s historical role as the Spice Islands. He said nutmeg and cloves have contributed to global trade and diplomacy for centuries.

Chris added that local genetic resources should not only become historical records or research materials. They must be protected and sustainably utilized to support community welfare.

The CDCSUI meeting brought together government representatives, academics, local communities, and related stakeholders. The collaboration is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s efforts in preserving agricultural biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.