Questions about Agriculture and Flora on the island

[Max DAmbrosioParticipant]

Hii back again, thanks for the help last time. We’ve since narrowed our scope and focusing only on offering a part of the solution not a complete grid revamp. The solution we’re planning on implementing is related to some agrivoltaics solutions.
So, I just had a couple questions related to it.

Is the Saibai Island community garden the only largeish scale agriculture project on the island? Is there any other land dedicated to growing Flora to be consumed or not on the island? While I’m asking any Domestic Animals?

Is there any flora that is grown or grows on the island in the community garden or on the island in general that the islanders would like to encourage growth in or wouldn’t mind growth, that likes partial shade and wind protection to grow? Common and/or traditional crops/food sources?

How would the islanders feel about land use for agrivoltaics I’m using agri very broadly here, it could range from integration and expansion of the community garden, something separate from the garden either for growing something for consumption or encouraging natural growth and shrubbery.?

Kind Regards Maxie and thanks in advance.

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Max,

The Mekem Garden serves as the central location for the traditional cultivation of various plants.

During our recent Insights Event, it was highlighted that many households maintain their own gardens to grow their own food. The recording is available to watch on our website: https://ewbchallenge.org/events-workshops/past-events/2025-stakeholder-insights-event/

It looks like you have thought of many applications of the agrivoltaics already! The adoption of agrivoltaic systems could potentially decrease the community’s reliance on the existing diesel energy network. Regardless of the project’s scale, assessing its likability would be good to include in your proposed stakeholder consultation.

For information regarding the species and crop types utilized in local traditional self-sustaining practices, please refer to our recommended reading on Design Area 5: ‘Saibai Mekem gardening project: developing long term sustainability and wellbeing of Saibai community’.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Jean

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