The association is working together with a local farmers group to promote the daily activities of the local farmers as a unique attraction for tourists. Bali, especially Nusa Dua, is one of the prime areas in Indonesia to cultivate seaweed. Indonesia is also the largest producer of Euchema Cottonii seaweed.
Late last year, the association signed an agreement with the local farmers group concerning the idea. At the same time, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister also declared Pandawa as a marine tourism area. Seaweed farming in the area has been threatened by the massive development of tourism facilities, with much property construction taking place in the area, especially around Geger Beach. During the last couple of years, tourism development at Geger Beach has been very fast, as proven by the sprawling construction of hotels and other tourism facilities. This has threatened the survival of seaweed farming. These developments have also caused the number of seaweed farmers to decrease to only around 30 families, who have to go further to find vacant land to dry their seaweed in the sun.
Seaweed farming could be part of tourism, and it is crucial to protect the coastal environment from abrasion. The association will use its networking to help local farmers market their product more widely and generate a higher quality and quantity. Indonesia produced around 180,000 tons of seaweed last year, 169,000 tons of which was exported.