Durian: The Surprise Hero of Sustainability

By, Noor Fariza Syafiqah Fazwil

If the durian fruit qwere to your mind, then probably the first picture would be that of the thorny, prickly exterior, which in itself is quite unlike much of the other fruits out there. But little do you know, durian can do great things for the welfare of our planet. It has quite a number of surprising and remarkable properties, which make it a kind of epitome for eco-friendliness and sustainability.

1. Turning Durian Waste into Energy 

The husks and scraps from durian production can be processed into biomass, a renewable energy source that supports SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy. It can be used to generate heat and electricity, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

2. A Sustainable Crop for the Future 

The fruit generates significant agricultural waste, such as husks and leftover pulp, which are often discarded. By repurposing these wastes into something useful, we can create a circular economy, ensuring sustainable production while minimizing waste. This aligns with SDG 12, which emphasizes sustainable production methods and reducing resource-intensive farming.

3. Durian Trees Fight Climate Change 

Beyond the fruit and its waste, durian trees play a crucial role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. This helps reduce carbon dioxide levels, a major contributor to global warming. By planting more durian trees, we contribute to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable ecosystems, ensuring life on land thrives.

Durian is more than just a unique and divisive fruit—it’s a symbol of sustainability. From its low-maintenance farming to its ability to reduce waste and generate clean energy, durian has the potential to be at the forefront of addressing some of the world’s pressing environmental challenges. So, next time you sink your teeth into a durian, remember: this fruit may well be a secret weapon in the fight for a greener, more sustainable world. Durian isn’t just the “king of fruits”—it’s a king of sustainability too.***