MYCL team with FKL Representative at MYCL Eco Factory

 MYCL (Mycotech Lab) is proud to announce its collaboration with Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) to protect the globally significant Leuser Ecosystem. This partnership aims to prevent deforestation by working with smallholder farmers to convert unused biomass into valuable products using mushroom technology, providing an alternative sustainable income source and reducing pressure on forest resources.

The Leuser Ecosystem, spanning the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, is a critical biodiversity hotspot and one of the last places on Earth where orangutans, tigers, rhinos, and elephants coexist in the wild. Covering over 2.6 million hectares—35 times the size of Singapore—this vast rainforest contains lowland rainforests, peat swamps, montane forests, coastal forests, and alpine meadows. It plays a crucial role as a carbon sink and serves as a life-support system for approximately 4 million people in Aceh by providing freshwater and mitigating natural disasters.

Recognizing the urgent need to protect this ecosystem, MYCL and FKL will collaborate with smallholder farmers in the region to implement sustainable agricultural practices. By utilizing MYCL’s innovative mushroom technology, unused agricultural biomass will be transformed into high-value products, reducing the need for forest clearing and promoting a circular economy.

Empowering Local Farmers to Protect the Forest

In partnership with local communities, MYCL and FKL will focus on targeted village, where:

• The population is 2,720 farmers
• There are 4 cooperatives and 1 farmer association, including 93 general farmer groups and 5 RSPO-certified farmer groups.
• Responsible Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)-certified palm oil plantations cover 3.191,88 hectares.
• In addition to palm oil farming, community members work as private employees, civil servants, and daily laborers.
• Horticultural crops such as corn, chili, and various vegetables are cultivated.

By integrating MYCL’s technology, smallholder farmers will be able to generate additional income from agricultural waste, reducing reliance on deforestation for economic survival. This initiative will not only empower local farmers but also contribute to global climate action by preserving one of Southeast Asia’s most vital carbon sinks.

A Sustainable Future for People and Planet

“This collaboration aligns with MYCL’s commitment to sustainability and innovation while empowering communities. By harnessing the power of mycelium technology, we can provide economic opportunities for farmers while ensuring the long-term protection of the Leuser Ecosystem,” said Adi Reza, CEO of MYCL.

 

Through this partnership, MYCL and FKL are setting a precedent for how conservation, technology, and economic development can work together to create a sustainable future for both people and nature.

“We believe that conservation efforts should go hand in hand with community empowerment. This initiative allows local farmers to become key stakeholders in protecting their environment while improving their livelihoods,” added Rudi Putra, Strategic Advisor of Forum Konservasi Leuser.

© FKL, Fauna in Leuser National Park

© FKL, Fauna in Leuser National Park

About MYCL:
MYCL (Mycotech Lab) is a biotechnology company pioneering mycelium-based materials to create sustainable and circular economy solutions. By transforming agricultural waste into high-value products, MYCL provides innovative alternatives to traditional materials while reducing environmental impact. Founded in Indonesia, MYCL focuses on biofabrication technology, particularly in developing mycelium-based leather and composite materials for various industries, including fashion and construction.

About Forum Konservasi Leuser:
Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) is a conservation organization dedicated to protecting the Leuser Ecosystem through community engagement, scientific research, and direct action against deforestation. FKL works closely with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations to safeguard this critical rainforest for future generations. FKL operates a comprehensive conservation strategy, including forest patrols, ecological restoration, and livelihood programs that support sustainable economic alternatives for local communities.