The USASCP’s Smart Cities Business Innovation Fund is a targeted funding assistance mechanism for subnational/municipal stakeholders that offers sustainable net-zero/low-carbon solutions to urban challenges. The fund, USD 1,000,000, was awarded as a grant to six city stakeholders in Southeast Asia. Biopac is very grateful to receive this prestigious award. This grant has enabled Biopac to produce roll-shaped sheets and glasses, apply for Certificate of Compostable Material certification, participate in various trade shows at home and abroad, and be in the spotlight at the Symposium, the USASCP website and the White House (https://www.usascp.org/programs/climate-finance/,https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/10/fact-sheet-delivering-on-our-commitments-12th-u-s-asean-summit-in-vientiane-lao-pdr/).

Through the collaborative network that has been built by USAID and USASCP, we have the opportunity to present our solutions in tackling plastic waste pollution to the Makassar government. As the largest seaweed-producing province in Indonesia, Makassar plays an important role in overcoming the problems of climate change and microplastic pollution caused by plastic waste. During our trip to Makassar, we met with benefit representatives, including local governments and communities, who have been supported in various ways. USAID and USASCP have provided solar panels, built green passages, and empowered hundreds of local communities to farm shrimp and tilapia.