Discussing local farmers' experiences with coconut damage caused by macaques. @Kurnia Ilham.

This project seeks to address these challenges by fostering coexistence through an integrated approach that balances conservation and community well-being. The initiative focuses on three key strategies: 1) Alternative Economic Opportunities: Farmers will be supported in developing a coco-fiber production industry using damaged coconuts and undamaged ones. This initiative creates new revenue streams, reducing reliance on coconut farming and mitigating economic losses caused by macaque to coconuts. 2) Improved Farm Management: The project focuses on strategies to improve farm productivity while mitigating macaque intrusions. Training programs will empower farmers with tools and techniques to manage farm areas. 3) Educational Programs: Community-focused educational campaigns aim to increase awareness of macaque behavior, ecological roles, and the importance of conservation. Interactive lessons, storytelling, and multimedia presentations will engage local schools and communities, fostering a culture of coexistence.

Through these efforts, the project aligns economic incentives with conservation goals, reducing conflicts and promoting positive attitudes toward macaques. Long-term monitoring and evaluation will assess the project’s impact on both farmers and the macaque population, including changes in economic outcomes, population trends, and community perceptions. By addressing the root causes of conflict, this project seeks a sustainable balance between improving farmers’ livelihoods and protecting the Simeulue macaque.