Nestled on the edge of Lake Toba, Tipang Village tells an inspiring story of balance between sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. Covering an area of 512 hectares in Bakti Raja District, Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra, this village serves as a model of agroforestry practices that support both the environment and the local economy.

Agroforestry in Tipang

Tipang Village’s agricultural system focuses on a layered agroforestry approach, known locally as “Food Forestry”. This system combines various food crops in one area, creating a resilient environment where plants thrive together. Coffee plants—both Arabica and Robusta—flourish under the shade of protective trees like sugar palms, candlenuts, durians, bananas, cocoa, papayas, and ingul trees. These trees not only provide shade but also play a crucial role in maintaining soil moisture, improving crop resilience to extreme weather.

Local farmer Patar Manalu cultivates coffee in this sustainable system. With organic fertilizers sourced from nearby materials such as banana stems, branches, leaves, and chicken manure, he keeps production costs to a minimum whilst producing high-quality coffee. Patar can harvest his coffee weekly, selling it for around Rp20,000 per liter of dried beans. This sustainable method reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers, whilst contributing to soil health and crop quality.

The ingul tree, an integral part of Batak Toba community life. Photo: Barita News Lumbanbatu.

Agroforestry here is not just about farming; it is a climate solution. According to Oding Affandi, a forestry expert from the University of North Sumatra, agroforestry creates microclimates that protect plants from excessive heat and strong winds. Trees in this system absorb large amounts of carbon, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions, making Tipang Village a potential climate action model.

A Village Shaped by Sustainable Tourism

Tipang’s sustainable practices extend beyond farming. The village’s natural beauty, complemented by tourist attractions like Sigota-gota Waterfall, has earned it a spot in the top 50 nominees for the 2021 Anugerah Desa Wisata (ADWI) award by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Patar Manalu and the Simak Pandan Nauli tourism group promote community-based tourism. The group, made up of 10 local members, works together to create eco-friendly tourism experiences while preserving the environment.

“We develop tourism that benefits all residents. We keep our environment clean and avoid cutting down trees that serve as habitats for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.” Patar says.

Patar Manalu showcases his agroforestry coffee plantation in Tipang Village, Bakti Raja District, Humbang Hasundutan [Humbahas], North Sumatra. Photo: Barita News Lumbanbatu.

Conserving With Local Traditions

Tipang Village also practices the ancient Sihali Aek tradition, a water management system that has preserved local resources for hundreds of years. This cooperative system ensures equal water distribution, crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity even in periods of low rainfall. By using traditional irrigation and shade trees to maintain soil moisture, Tipang minimizes its impact on the local ecosystem, strengthening its resilience to climate change.

Local visitors can enjoy coffee and the beautiful scenery of Tipang Village, located around Lake Toba. Photo: Barita News Lumbanbatu.

Lake Toba’s National and Global Significance

Lake Toba has been designated as one of Indonesia’s 15 National Priority Lakes and is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its value for conservation and sustainable development. According to the Hariara Institute, a local environmental NGO, forest-based agriculture, such as the agroforestry practices in Tipang, supports biodiversity far better than monoculture systems.

“Lake Toba’s ecosystem has the potential to become a leading example of sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism in Indonesia” says Wilson Nainggolan from the Hariara Institute.

However, the Institute emphasizes that these efforts require support from government policies, research institutions, and the active participation of local communities to create lasting impact.

Lake Toba, which needs restoration from damage and pollution. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Viral88toto/CC BY-SA 4.0.

Sustainable Tourism: A Path to Long-Term Benefits

The integration of agriculture, eco-tourism, and traditional conservation practices in Tipang Village embodies the principles of sustainable development. Research on sustainable tourism highlights the importance of approaches that combine economic, social, and environmental dimensions to achieve long-lasting benefits. A collaborative effort between government policies, private sector support, and local communities can help protect natural resources while bringing economic benefits to the area.

As Lake Toba gains recognition for its ecological significance, Tipang Village shines as a promising model of conservation and sustainability. This village offers a glimpse into the future of rural areas that prioritize environmental health while providing for their people, reinforcing the idea that sustainable practices are both practical and essential.

For conservationists and eco-conscious travelers, Tipang Village offers a living example of how agroforestry and eco-tourism can coexist in harmony with nature, paving the way for sustainable rural development in Indonesia and beyond.

Weaving the History of Toba: From Ancient Volcanic Eruptions to a UNESCO Global Geopark

admin — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 11:17:30 +0000

Lake Toba was formed from the caldera of an ancient volcano, which last erupted about 74,000 years ago. The eruption spanned thousands of kilometers, from the Indian subcontinent to southern China.
Lake Toba holds a wealth of biodiversity, from the rare Batak fish (Neollissochilus thienemannie) to the horn-nosed lizard (Harpesaurus modiglianii Vinciguerra), which was recently rediscovered after 130 years.
Myths and legends about Lake Toba also thrive among the local community. These stories personify the creation of Lake Toba and Samosire island in the lakes centre.
Environmental degradation around Lake Toba has prompted the designation of the Toba Caldera area as a Global Geopark, which has been established since 2020. Management challenges are now a focus for stakeholders.

A Brief History of Lake Toba

Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia, sits at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level in North Sumatra. Covering an area of 1,130 square kilometres, the lake stretches approximately 100 kilometres in length and 30 kilometres in width, with depths reaching up to 508 meters.

A scenic veiw of Lake Toba. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

The ancient Toba volcano erupted around 74,000 years ago, in one of the largest known supervolcanic eruptions (Petraglia & Korisettar, 2011). The volcanic ash covered vast areas, from the Arabian Sea to southern China, making it even more powerful than the Tambora or Krakatoa eruptions.

The impact of the Toba eruption extends beyond geology. Paleoanthropologists, archaeologists, and geneticists study its effects on human evolution and the distribution of Homo sapiens. This period also saw humans coexisting with other species such as Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Homo floresiensis. The eruption’s climatic impact may have even influenced the decline of various Homo species.

The existence of Toba as an ancient volcano was first revealed by Dutch geologist Reinout Willem van Bemmelen in 1939. His research found pumice stones around Lake Toba and rhyolitic ash dating back to the same period as Toba’s rocks in Malaysia and India. Further research by Craig Alan Chesner and John Westgate in the 1990’s confirmed that Toba’s ash spread worldwide.

Biodiversity of Lake Toba

Lake Toba’s unique geology fosters rich biodiversity. The endangered Batak fish (Neollissochilus thienemannie) is native to the lake and its rivers, breeding in clear water sources. In 2021, the government listed this fish as a protected species due to its alarming population decline.

The Lake also holds a rich diversity of amphibian species, including the horn-nosed lizard (Harpesaurus modiglianii Vinciguerra) which was rediscovered in 2020 after being declared extinct in 1891.

An illustration of the Holotype male specimen of a horn-nosed lizard (Harpesaurus modigliani) taken from Vinciguerra D. (1933). “Descrizione di una nuova specie di Harpesaurus di Sumatra”. Annali del Museo civico di storia naturale di Genova 56: 355–357.

Additionally, Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium), a spice endemic to North Sumatra and commonly used in Batak cuisine, thrives in the high-altitude regions surrounding the lake.

Cultural Heritage and Legends

Several ethnic groups live around Lake Toba, including the Batak Toba, Karo, Simalungun, and Pakpak. Their culture emphasizes togetherness and openness to newcomers, reflected in their welcoming greetings: “Horas Jala Gabe” (Toba), “Mejuah-juah Kita Kerena” (Karo), and “Njuah Juah” (Pakpak).

Local legends add to the lake’s mystique. One story tells of a man named Toba who married a beautiful girl named Putri, who was a fish cursed by a god. They had a son together, who was named Samosir. When Toba revealed Putri’s secret, she and Samosir disappeared. The legend says that Toba’s tears formed Lake Toba with Samosir Island in its centre.

Landsat satellite photo of Lake Toba with Samosir Island in its centre. Sourced from NASA.

Environmental Degradation and Conservation of Lake Toba

Despite its ecological richness, Lake Toba faces threats from pollution, industrial waste, and invasive species. For example, the water hyacinth weed covers many parts of the lake due to its uncontrolled growth. Such challenges underpin the importance of conservation efforts to preserve the lake’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

The initiative to designate Lake Toba as a UNESCO Global Geopark began with concerns about environmental degradation from deforestation, pollution, industrial development, and mining. The Toba Caldera was officially recognized as a Global Geopark during the 209th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, on July 7th 2020.

“Achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status is challenging,” explained geoscientist Jonathan Tarigan.

“First proposed in 2009, it required forming a dedicated team in 2013 and addressing issues like community empowerment and master planning before final approval in 2020,” Jonathon added.

The Toba Caldera Geopark integrates geodiversity, biodiversity, and cultural diversity. It encompasses 16 geological sites across six districts, including Sipisopiso, Tongging, Tuktuk Peninsula, Puncak Uludarat, Sibeabea, Pusuk Buhit, Samosir Island, Uluan Peninsula, Hutaginjang, Bakkara Bay, and Tipang Valley.

To qualify as a Global Geopark, an area must meet global geological standards and focus on three pillars: local community empowerment, education, and conservation.”The development of the Toba Caldera Geopark is not solely about tourism but encompasses various aspects,” Tarigan concluded.

The Future of Lake Toba

Lake Toba is a natural wonder of immense geological, ecological, and cultural significance. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving its unique biodiversity and heritage. Supporting these initiatives helps to protect Lake Toba and preserve its beauty and history for future generations.

Join us in our mission to conserve Lake Toba. Your support can make a difference in protecting this incredible natural and cultural treasure. Visit our website to learn more about our conservation efforts and how you can help.

biodiversity – Hariara Institute