On the second day of the COCOTECH, there were 6 sessions wherein 15 eminent resource speakers shared their ideas, knowledge, and experiences with the latest technologies and development. The subjects covered during the Conference assisted in preparing farming communities to counter the challenges and maximize benefits from the opportunities that are presented.
Continuing the 1st and 2nd Session on the 1st day of the conference, topics discussed by five resource speakers in the 3rd Session was empowering sustainability: coconut-based renewable energy solutions for addressing global climate change, overcoming fossil fuel limitations, and enhancing Farmer’s Welfare. The speakers shared their insightful knowledge of the enormous potential of coconut products and by-products' contribution to renewable green energy. “Advancements in Coconut Oil-Based Biofuel Development Program in the Philippines: Technical Insights and Future Directions” was presented by Dr. Liberty H. Canja, Acting Department Manager, Philippine Coconut Authority-Zamboanga Research Centre, Philippines.
Mr. Masato Fujii, Director, Green Power Development Corporation of Japan, presented on using non-standard coconut products, by-products and waste for sustainable aviation fuel commercially, in his presentation on “Commercializing SAF derived from Non-Standard Coconuts”.
“Leveraging Coconut Shell Charcoal: Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Greener Future and Enhanced Farmer Welfare”; Mr. Asep Jembar Mulyana, Chief Executive Officer, PT. TOM COCOCHA INDONESIA, Indonesia; “Close Loop System in Coconut Sector as a Support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Development”; Mr. Dida Gardera, S.T, M.Sc, Deputy Minister for Food and Agribusiness, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Indonesia.
The topics discussed in Session 4th were on exploring the power of coconut: from culinary delight to functional food and curative solutions. The first speaker, Mrs. Clara Reyes Lapus, Chief Executive Officer, Mama Sita’s Holding Company, Inc., Philippines, presented “Harnessing the Health Potential of Coconut-Based Condiments: Innovations for Nutritional Enhancement and Disease Prevention”. Dr. dr. NM Rika Trismayanti, SpBsubSpPed(K), MH, Persahabatan Hospital, Indonesia Presented “Coconut and Gut Health: Prebiotic Properties and Digestive Benefits”. “Diversification of Coconut-Based Products: Innovations and Potential Commercialisation” was presented by Dr. Shaiful Adzni bin Sharifudin, Senior Research Officer, Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Food Science and Technology Research Centre (FT/FT3), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Malaysia.
The topic of Coconut Coir: A Sustainable and Responsible Substrate for Horticulture” was presented by Mr. Rajarathinam Kanakarajan, Propriator, Essar Engineers, India; “Empowering Communities: Harnessing Coconut Husk for Economic Opportunities for Women and Prisoners in Indonesia’s Processing Sector” was presented by Mr. Cepi Mangkubumi, General Manager, COIR INDONESIA (PT Agri Lestari Nusantara), Indonesia. “Cracking Through Nuts - The Need for Integrated Industrial Policy Development for the Coconut Husk Sector” was presented by Mr. Dilip Tambyrajah, Secretary General, International Natural Fiber Organization, Netherlands.
The 6th Session was on innovative programs and strategies to sustain coconut production and enhance income generation through carbon incentive. “Leveraging Carbon Incentives to Boost Income Generation” was presented by Dr. Riza Suarga, Chairman, Indonesia Carbon Trade Association, Indonesia. “Adapting the US Experience: Sustainable Practices for Reducing Carbon Footprint, Community Engagement, Challenges, Opportunities and Future Directions in Coconut-Producing Countries”, was presented by Dr. Sarah C. Sellars, Researcher, University of Illinois, United States of America. “Scientific Insights: Carbon Sequestration in Diverse Coconut Plantations: Strategies and Implications” was presented by Dr. Hebbar K. B., Director, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, India. “Unlocking the Potential Benefit of Coconut Carbon Sequestration in Indonesia” was presented by Dr. Setiari Marwanto, Head of Plantation Crop Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Each session was followed by an open forum and discussion. The participants gained new insight into cutting-edge technology and scientific evidence on the usefulness of coconut, ranging from innovation in bioenergy, utilizing coconut waste for various products, including biofuel, synthetic gas, biochar, the use of non-standard coconuts for sustainable aviation fuel and the potential for coconut oil as a pathway to a carbon neutral society, to health benefits of coconut’s probiotic and anti-inflammatory for gut health and brain function. The Sessions also covered the economic benefit of coconut in carbon sequestration and carbon credit for coconut producers. These diverse topics have demonstrated that the coconut as the tree of life is not merely a utopian platitude.