Gorontalo is reputed to be one of the best-quality gold producers in the Indonesian archipelago. Gold production has been largely achieved through the activities of artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM), which as part of its extraction process, primarily uses mercury—a substance known to cause negative impacts on health and the environment, leading also to numerous socio-economic issues. This research aims (1) to investigate the extent of rural knowledge regarding mercury and to determine whether a video that explains mercury and the problems that occur as a result of ASGM can significantly transform rural populations’ knowledge; (2) to inspect different factors separating the SR group (those who live in the same regency as the ASGM area) from the NR group (those who live in the neighboring regency/city of the ASGM area) and to find out whether said factors are statistically significant. The results show that the test subjects’ knowledge of mercury had increased after watching the video, and that their willingness to oppose ASGM activities is one of the significant factors within the two groups. Moreover, this paper briefly describes the follow-up activities of the SRIREP project (Co-creation of Sustainable Regional Innovation for Reducing Risk of High-impact Environmental Pollution) in encouraging rural communities to explore sustainable livelihoods as an alternative to ASGM.

The physicochemical and rheological characteristics of goat milk are critical in determining its processing potential and nutritional value. Although Indonesia possesses a wide variety of goat breeds, comparative scientific data on milk quality among these breeds is limited. This study examined the physicochemical, rheological, structural, and protein characteristics of raw goat milk from four genotypes: Kacang, local goat, Etawa Crossbreed, and Saanen Crossbreed, all reared under traditional farming conditions in Gorontalo, Indonesia. The aim was to identify breed-specific differences that may influence milk’s nutritional quality and processing suitability. A total of 48 raw milk samples were analyzed using standard compositional assays, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), densitometry, amino acid profiling, laser confocal microscopy, rotational rheometry, and colloidal stability measurements. These methods provided detailed insights into protein structure, casein micelle behavior, and textural properties. The results revealed that crossbred goats, particularly Saanen and Etawa, produced milk with higher total protein content, elevated concentrations of specific casein fractions (β-casein, α-casein, and κ-casein), greater viscosity, and richer amino acid profiles - especially glutamic acid, proline, and threonine. Conversely, Kacang goats demonstrated higher whey protein content and increased concentrations of sulfur amino acids, specifically cysteine and methionine. Furthermore, all samples exhibited pseudoplastic flow behavior, comparable zeta potentials, and similar particle size distributions, which collectively indicate consistent colloidal stability across groups. These findings demonstrate that goat breed significantly affects milk composition and rheological behavior. Crossbred goats such as Saanen and Etawa appear more suitable for high-protein dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, whereas Kacang goat milk—with its higher whey protein content—may be better suited for infant formulas or functional beverages requiring easier digestibility.

Sweet sorghum syrup, a gluten-free natural sweetener, is produced from the stalks of the versatile sweet sorghum plant (Sorghum bicolor var. saccharatum (L.) Mohlenbr.), which thrives across diverse global regions. This plant’s adaptability ensures accessibility and promotes sustainability by utilizing agricultural by-products, reducing waste, and supporting eco-friendly food production. The syrup’s production involves essential steps, including extraction, juice clarification, and evaporation, which enhance its sweetness and preserve its nutritional value. This review investigates the potential of sweet sorghum syrup to improve the functional quality of animal-based food products. With low sugar content and a high antioxidant profile, the syrup offers a healthy alternative to refined sweeteners. Key topics include the syrup’s nutritional components—such as proteins and phenolic compounds—and the role of the Maillard reaction in improving flavor, texture, and shelf life. Applications of sorghum syrup in dairy and meat products are explored, highlighting its ability to improve gelling properties, delay lipid oxidation, and enhance sensory appeal. The findings suggest that sweet sorghum syrup not only elevates product quality but also aligns with consumer preferences for healthier, sustainable food options. In conclusion, sorghum syrup provides dual benefits by promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing food product functionality, driving future innovations in the food industry.

Rainfall-induced soil erosion is a significant environmental issue that can lead to soil degradation and loss of vegetation. The estimated global annual loss increased by 2.5% over 11 years, from 35 billion tons in 2001 to 35.9 billion tons in 2012, mainly due to spatial changes. Indonesia is predicted to be among the largest and most intensively eroded regions among countries with higher soil erosion, regarded as hot-spots higher than 20 Mg yr⁻¹ ha⁻¹. Due to climate change, natural rainfall patterns in the tropical regions have been subject to change, with a lower number of rainy days and increased intensity of precipitation. Such changes trigger more soil erosion due to heavier rainfall kicking up dried soil particles that are exposed in the bare embankments. Unfortunately, there is no prevention available in developing countries due to the lack of availability and high prices of mitigation techniques such as terraces and covering areas with geotextiles or blankets. Erosion control blankets (ECBs) have emerged as a potential solution to mitigate soil erosion. This research article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sugar-palm-fiber-based ECB in reducing soil erosion caused by natural rainfall. The study investigates the effectiveness of sugar-palm-based ECB in protecting against erosion at the designated embankment. During the three months of typical rainy seasons (February to April 2023), total eroded mass (kg) was collected and measured from two adjacent microplots (10 m² each), one covered with ECB and the other one left as uncovered soil (bare soil). The results indicate that eroded mass is proportional to rainfall, with coefficients of 0.4 and 0.04 for bare soil and ECB-covered embankments, respectively. The total soil loss recorded during the monitoring period was 154.6 kg and 16.7 kg for bare and ECB-covered soil, respectively. The significantly high efficiency of the up to 90% reduction in soil losses was achieved by covering the slope with sugar-palm-fiber-based ECB. The reason for this may be attributed to the intrinsic surface properties of sugar palm fiber ropes and the soil characteristics of the plot area. Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) fiber has higher lignocellulosic contents that produce a perfect combination of strong mechanical properties (higher tensile strength and young modulus) and a higher resistance to weathering processes. Although the cost of production of handmade sugar-palm-fiber-based ECB is now as high as 4 EUR, further reductions in cost production can be achieved by introducing machinery. Compared to typical ECBs which have smaller openings, sugar-palm-based ECB has larger openings that allow for vegetation to grow and provide it with a lower density. As such, we recommend improvements in the quality of palm-fiber-based ECB via the introduction of further automation in the production process, so that the price can be reduced in line with other commercially available natural fibers such as jute and coir.