Located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, Toba Caldera is the world's largest caldera lake, formed by a "super volcano" 74,000 years ago. Due to the many unique geological features, immense natural beauty, and diverse cultures that have developed and thrived in the region, the lake region was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019.
Parapat is a city located on the eastern shore of Toba Caldera Lake. It is serviced by major roads, airports, ferries, and is the main tourism and economic hub of the whole region. As tourism and economic activities increase, impacts of pollution are becoming serious issues.
Since its formation, Toba Lake has supported countless generations of people, cultures and kingdoms. Many of these cultures, each with their unique language, crafts, and architecture not only survive, but are vibrant today. Today, the lake supports irrigation, agriculture, fisheries, ferry transportation, recreation, and other vital services.
Combined with unique and breathtaking geological features, the area is quickly gaining popularity for tourism and the Government of Indonesia is making large investments in tourism development.
But as we have seen in other places around the globe, tourism development without consideration for waste management can have devastating consequences for the environment, society, and the tourism industry itself.
Due to increased tourism and economic activities, plastic waste pollution problems are increasing rapidly. City officials and some residents are aware of the issues. However, due to lack of resources, they are not able to solve the problem. Without proper intervention, waste and related waste issues will only increase.
We have joined forces with local organizations to conduct environmental education, capacity development and economic incentives development in Parapat City. The objective is to provide the knowledge, tools, and incentives needed to establish long-term and self-sustaining waste management community.
The following organizations are working together for this project.