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Vol. 7, No. 2, 2025, pp. 65-77 ISSN 2656-6052 (online) | 2656-1107 (print) 
      http://journal2.uad.ac.id/index.php/eshr/index                                                   eshr@ikm.uad.ac.id 

 

 

      10.26555/eshr.v7i2.13038  

 
 

65 

 
 

  

 
Review Article  
 
Sustainable Diets in Southeast Asia: Development, 
Barriers, and Opportunities 
 
Tri Fajarwaty1*, Ahmad Syafiq1, Ikeu Tanziha2, Siti Khodijah Parinduri1 
1 Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Jawa Barat 16424, Indonesia 
2 Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor, Jawa Barat 16680, Indonesia 
 
*Correspondence: tri.fajarwaty@gmail.com.  
 
Received 17 April 2025; Accepted 26 August 2025; Published 02 September 2025 
 

ABSTRACT 

Background: Southeast Asia is experiencing a dietary shift from traditional plant-based 
diets to Westernized, processed foods, contributing to rising non-communicable diseases 
and environmental degradation. Given the significant impact of global food production on 
greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater consumption, and biodiversity loss, promoting 
sustainable diets in Southeast Asia is critical. This review aims to explore the current 
progress, barriers, and opportunities in adopting sustainable diets across the region. 
Method: A scoping review was conducted using a systematic framework to map the existing 
literature on sustainable diets in Southeast Asia. A total of 37 studies were identified and 
analyzed to understand the progress, barriers, and opportunities in adopting sustainable 
diets. 
Results: The review shows varying levels of progress across Southeast Asia, with countries 
like Indonesia and Malaysia advancing through government policies and sustainable 
agriculture practices. However, economic, cultural, and infrastructural barriers hinder 
broader adoption. Promising opportunities include leveraging alternative protein sources 
and the region’s biodiversity. 
Conclusion: While Southeast Asia has substantial potential for implementing sustainable 
diets, overcoming economic, cultural, and infrastructural challenges will require coordinated 
efforts between governments, stakeholders, and communities. Collaborative action is 
necessary to promote food systems that benefit public health and the environment.    

Keywords: Opportunity; Barriers; Sustainable Diets; Southeast Asia 

INTRODUCTION 

Modern society is now confronted with significant health issues resulting from the consumption 
of food through phenomenon known as the 'nutrition transition'. The ‘nutrition transition’ which 
is characterized by the progressive decline of traditional dietary patterns and the rise in 
‘western diet’, has contributed to a significant increase in overweight and obesity, as well as 

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non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, 
and cancer particularly in high-income countries.1,2 In Western diets, food is produced using 
energy-intensive inputs, highly processed and increasingly sold through supermarkets and 
fast-food franchises from Western countries. It is a modern dietary pattern characterized by 
high intakes of pre-packaged ultra-processed foods, refined grains, red meat, processed 
meat, high-sugar drinks, candy, sweets, fried foods, conventionally raised animal products, 
high-fat dairy products, and high-fructose products.3,4 

In addition to contributing to global health issues, this dietary transformation imposes a 
significant burden on the environment. Human activities aimed at meeting food demands have 
long been recognized as having detrimental environmental impacts. Globally, 11-29% of 
greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), 70% of freshwater consumption, and one-third of ice-free 
territory are attributed to global food production.5–7 Furthermore, food production and 
consumption are responsible for 33% of land degradation, 29% of overfishing, 60% of 
terrestrial biodiversity loss, 80-85% of fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphate) ending up in the 
oceans and resulting in marine biodiversity loss, 21-28% of GHGE, 70-80% of freshwater use, 
80% of deforestation, 20% of fossil fuel/energy use, 38% of land use (12% for agriculture and 
26% for livestock).8–11 

To prevent further environmental degradation and achieve conservation goals, it is crucial to 
implement changes in food production and consumption. If nations fail to shift their food 
consumption habits toward sustainability, the environmental damage could be so severe that 
the planet may become incapable of sustaining human life. For example, GHGE are projected 
to increase by 80% by 2050 due to rising meat and processed food consumption driven by 
urbanization and income growth.4,12  This increase in GHGE is likely to result in more frequent 
and severe extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and storms, leading to 
significant infrastructure damage, loss of lives, and economic disruptions.13  Considering the 
importance and urgency of the concept of sustainability in food consumption to address diet-
related public health issue and mitigate environmental degradation, in 2010, FAO proposed a 
consensus definition of sustainable diets; “Sustainable diets are those diets with low 
environmental impacts which contribute to food and nutrition security and to healthy life for 
present and future generations. Sustainable diets are protective and respectful of biodiversity 
and ecosystems, culturally acceptable, accessible, economically fair and affordable; 
nutritionally adequate, safe and healthy, while optimizing natural and human resources”.14 
Since then, research and development of sustainable diets has grown rapidly. However, high 
income countries are still dominating in the research and development in sustainable diets. 
According to Springman et al (2021), 74% of studies on sustainable diets were carried out in 
high-income nations.15 Moreover, high-income countries have been at the forefront of 
developing sustainable diet policies, often integrating environmental sustainability into food-
based dietary guidelines (FBDGs).  

Unlike in developed countries, the research and development of sustainable diets in 
developing nations, such as Southeast Asia, is still in its early stages. On one hand, the 
traditional diets in Southeast Asia, which are rich in plant-based foods, align closely with the 
principles of sustainability. On the other hand, the rapid urbanization and economic growth in 
the region are driving a shift towards more ‘Westernized’ dietary patterns, which could bring 
negative impacts to both health and environment. This scoping review aims to explore the 
existing literatures on the opportunities and barriers to sustainable diets in Southeast Asia 

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which is critical to shaping the region’s future food systems in a way that supports both human 
health and environmental sustainability.   

METHOD 

A scoping review is a review approach that involves 'mapping' the relevant literature in a 
subject of interest.16 A scoping review is most suited for exploring wider and newer research 
subjects; hence it is acceptable to investigate the opportunities and barriers in sustainable 
diets because this is a new study field. Scoping reviews do not evaluate the quality of the 
studies included, but they are frequently used to choose whether to proceed with a systematic 
review, summarize and distribute research findings in a given area, and identify potential gaps 
in the literature. This scoping review was conducted following a structured approach inspired 
by the framework proposed by Arksey et al. (2005) and the Preferred Reporting Items for 
Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).16,17 
The five-stage scoping framework by Arksey and O’Malley are (1) identifying the research 
question; (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) selecting studies; (4) charting the data; and (5) 
collating, summarizing and reporting the results. 

Stage 1: The research question, “What is known from the existing literature about the 
opportunities and barriers to sustainable diets in Southeast Asia?” became a guidance for this 
review.  

Stage 2:  Between July and August 2024, a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and gray 
literature was carried out using following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. 
This literature search was further enhanced using an adapted Preferred Reporting Items for 
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework which is presented in Figure 1. 
The key terms “opportunity,” “barrier,” “sustainable diets” and “Southeast Asia” form the basis 
for the search strategy. Table 1 presents the relevant keywords and keyword combinations 
considered for used in the searches.  

Table 1. Relevant keywords and keyword combinations  
Concept Search Terms 

Opportunity Opportunit* OR capability* OR fasilitator* 
AND 

Barriers Barrier* OR Challenge* OR Obstacle* 
AND 

Sustainable Diets “sustainable diets” OR “planetary health diet” OR “eco-friendly diets” OR “planetary health 
diet” OR “sustainable eating” OR “sustainable food systems” OR “environmentally 
sustainable diets” OR “low-carbon diets” OR “climate-friendly diets” OR food 
AND 

Southeast Asia 
Region 

“Southeast* Asia*” OR “South east* Asia*” OR “Indonesia*” OR “Malaysia” OR 
“Philippines” OR “Timor-Leste” OR “Cambodia*” OR “Laos” OR “Myanmar” OR “Thai*” OR 
“Vietnam*” OR “Vietnam” OR “Singapore*” OR “Brunei” 

 

Stage 3: To ensure the inclusion of relevant studies, specific inclusion and exclusion criteria 
were established. The inclusion criteria for this review were: (1) Peer-reviewed articles, review 
papers, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and book chapters published between 2000 and 
2023 that focus specifically on sustainable diets in Southeast Asia; (2) Studies that discuss 
both qualitative and quantitative findings related to sustainable diets, barriers, and 
opportunities within the Southeast Asian context; (3) Studies examining traditional dietary 
practices in Southeast Asia and their alignment with sustainability principles; (4) Studies that 

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discuss the environmental, economic, and cultural impacts of nutrition transition in Southeast 
Asia; and (5) Reports from reputable organizations such as FAO, WHO, and other 
international and governmental bodies focused on Southeast Asia. Exclusion criteria included: 
(1) Studies not specifically focused on Southeast Asia or not addressing the topic of 
sustainable diets; (2) Articles not available in English; (3) Studies where no abstract is 
available or where full-text articles cannot be obtained; (4) Articles that only discuss the 
Western context of sustainable diets without relevance to Southeast Asia; and (5) studies 
lacking relevant data on the specified barriers and opportunities within the Southeast Asian 
context.  

All identified publications will undergo two stages of screening: title/abstract screening and full 
text screening. The PRISMA diagram presented in Figure 1 summarizes stages one through 
three of the scoping review process. 

Stage 4: Data from included full-text studies will be entered into a Microsoft Excel form and 
include the following information: Author(s), year of publication, and study title; Country and 
journal; aim(s) or objective(s); Development of Sustainable Diets; Barriers in sustainable diets; 
and Opportunities in sustainable diets 

Stage 5: The extracted data were synthesized both quantitatively and qualitatively. A 
numerical analysis was conducted to describe the characteristics of the included studies (e.g., 
publication year, country, and research focus). In addition, a thematic analysis was performed 
to identify and categorize key findings related to the development/implementation, barriers, 
and opportunities for sustainable diets. 

The results were then organized into overarching themes and presented in narrative form, 
supported by tables and figures. The reporting process adhered to the PRISMA-ScR checklist 
to ensure transparency and comprehensiveness. 

RESULTS 

Four hundred and seventy-two records were found. Following the elimination of duplicates, a 
total of 418 titles and abstracts were evaluated, leading to the exclusion of 328 publications. 
Full-text review was conducted on the remaining 90 records, and 53 were subsequently 
excluded, totaling 37 records for inclusion (Figure 1). A summary of the current 
development/implementation, barriers, and facilitators of sustainable diets, is presented in 
Supplementary material Appendix 1 (Table 2) and is arranged in several themes: (1) 
Development and progress of sustainable diets in Southeast Asia; (2) Barriers to adopting 
sustainable diets in Southeast Asia; and (3) Opportunities for promoting sustainable diets in 
the region. 

Theme 1: Development and Progress of Sustainable Diets in Southeast Asia 

Southeast Asia, despite its rich biodiversity and traditional dietary practices rooted in 
sustainability, has been significantly influenced by global dietary shifts. Traditional diets, often 
based on plant-rich foods, remain more aligned with sustainability principles compared to the 
more Westernized, meat-heavy diets. However, the pace of development of sustainable diets 
in Southeast Asia is uneven across countries. Some have made notable progress, while others 
remain in the first phases of transition. 

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Figure 1. Prisma Diagram Flowchart 
In Indonesia, efforts are apparent through governmental policies aimed at food diversification, 
reducing rice dependency, and the Healthy Living Community Movement (GERMAS).18,19 
However, Indonesia continues to struggle with the triple burden of malnutrition, making it 
difficult to fully transition to a more sustainable food system.18  Studies have also explored 
local, sustainable food sources like wild food plants, and alternative protein sources such as 
Javanese Grasshopper, considered a high-protein and low-impact food.20,21 The case of West 
Papua highlights the potential of sago, a climate-resilient crop, in promoting food security and 
sustainability.22  

In Malaysia, there has been progress with the development of the Sustainable Diet Index (SDI) 
to assess sustainable practices.23  In Thailand, sustainable agriculture policies are integrated 
into national frameworks, with programs encouraging crop diversification and organic farming. 
At the regional level, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) has recognized the importance 
of sustainable food trade to reduce the carbon footprint of transporting food by promoting local 
and regional systems. This complements sustainable diets, which emphasize locally sourced 
and lower-impact foods, with trade policies targeted for 2050.24  

Despite these strides, adoption remains slow in other countries. Vietnam relies heavily on rice 
and beef, though interest in organic farming and plant-based diets is growing.25  Myanmar 
faces environmental challenges from palm oil production.26 In Timor-Leste, low dietary 
diversity and dependence on imports impede progress.27 

Theme 2: Barriers to Adopting Sustainable Diets in Southeast Asia 

Several systemic and cultural barriers hinder the widespread adoption of sustainable diets in 
Southeast Asia. These include: 

1. Nutritional Considerations 

The majority of Southeast Asian countries are grappling with malnutrition, which includes 
undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising rates of obesity and non-communicable 
disease (NCD). In 2019, 64.7 million people experienced undernourishment in Southeast 
Asia.21,28  Cambodia and Myanmar were classified as facing ‘serious’ levels of hunger, with 

Records identified through 
database searching and 
grey literature n= 465 

472 Papers found 

Records screened (Title and 
abstract) (n=418)  

Full text articles assessed for 
eligibility (n = 90)  

Other sources 
n=7 

Records excluded by title and 
abstract (n=328) 

Full-text articles excluded, with 
reasons: (n= 53) 

Records included in the review (n = 
37)  

Duplicate papers removed (n=54) 

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Global Hunger Index (GHI) scores indicating a high prevalence of undernutrition.28 
Deficiencies in essential micronutrients like iron, vitamin A, and zinc remain common, 
particularly in Myanmar and Lao PDR, affecting women and children. The reliance on staple 
foods like rice, which lacks key micronutrients, exacerbates this issue.25  At the other end, 
overnutrition and obesity are becoming major concerns, as in Malaysia where nearly 50% of 
adults are overweight.23  

Traditional diets are inherently sustainable, but the nutrition transition and Western diet 
influence are concerning. Thailand has seen a shift toward processed, energy-dense foods, 
despite strong public health campaigns.29 In Vietnam, urban populations are adopting 
Western-style diets high in meat, sugar, and fats, leading to obesity, diabetes, and 
cardiovascular disease.30 Indonesia also illustrates this dual burden, with urban areas 
consuming processed foods while rural areas face undernutrition and limited diversity.18  

2. Cultural Resistance and Traditional Preferences 

While traditional food systems support sustainability, cultural preferences often pose barriers. 
Staple foods such as rice and animal-based proteins dominate in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and 
Indonesia.18,31 Dietary diversity is also limited by food taboos and religious practices. For 
example, the Coastal Endenese in eastern Indonesia maintain specific taboos around food 
consumption during certain times of the year, restricting access to diverse nutrient sources.32  

In Vietnam, plant-based diets are often perceived as nutritionally inadequate, particularly 
among men, creating obstacles to dietary shifts.33  In collectivist societies like Vietnam, meals 
center around meat, and cultural beliefs strongly shape choices.30  Similarly, in Malaysia, meat 
consumption is integral across ethnic groups, and plant-based diets are often perceived as 
less nutritious or satisfying. 

3. Economic and Infrastructural Barriers 

The affordability of healthy and sustainable foods remains a major challenge. In Indonesia, 
Vietnam, and Malaysia, organic and sustainably produced products such as fruits, vegetables, 
and plant-based proteins are significantly more expensive than staples like rice and processed 
foods.23,30,34  In Vietnam, price sensitivity and doubts about authenticity limit purchases of 
organic meat and plant-based products.30  

High transportation costs are another barrier, particularly in Myanmar, where they raise prices 
at retail markets.35 Infrastructure challenges such as poor roads, limited utilities, and 
inadequate distribution systems also hinder sustainable food access.18,35   Urban consumers 
in Indonesia and Malaysia encounter difficulties in sourcing sustainable food options.36  
Without sufficient infrastructure and market support, smallholder farmers struggle to produce 
and sell sustainable products, further limiting availability. 

4. Environmental and Policy Barriers 

Food consumption patterns, particularly reliance on rice, contribute significantly to greenhouse 
gas emissions and resource use.37  In the Philippines, rice is a major source of agricultural 
emissions and freshwater consumption.38  Agriculture is also a leading cause of deforestation, 
with large portions of forests cleared for cultivation, accounting for a substantial share of global 

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greenhouse gas emissions.39,40  In Vietnam, rice dominates water use and contributes heavily 
to methane emissions under flooded conditions.41  

Livestock production in Indonesia also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas 
emissions.21 Ruminants, in particular, are inefficient in converting feed to food and produce 
high levels of methane, intensifying climate impacts.40,42  In Thailand, aquaculture expansion 
poses challenges for water use and environmental management.43 Policy gaps further 
complicate adoption. The complexity of defining and operationalizing sustainable diets among 
diverse stakeholders often leads to knowledge gaps and weak policy implementation.44  The 
absence of coherent frameworks and enforcement mechanisms across the region limits 
effective progress toward sustainable dietary guidelines.45 

5. Limited Awareness and Education 

Awareness and education remain limited. In Malaysia, only a minority of consumers recognize 
the environmental benefits of plant-based alternatives. In Indonesia, many smallholder 
farmers lack awareness about the environmental impact of conventional farming and the 
potential benefits of sustainable practices.31  This lack of knowledge among both producers 
and consumers continues to hinder broader adoption of sustainable diets. 

Theme 3: Opportunities for promoting sustainable diets in the region. 

Despite the barriers, there are numerous opportunities for promoting sustainable diets in 
Southeast Asia, driven by biodiversity, policy initiatives, and growing consumer awareness. 

1. Rich Biodiversity and Traditional Food Systems 

Southeast Asia is home to diverse ecosystems that provide abundant marine resources as 
well as a wealth of underutilized crops and wild food plants. Sampantamit et al., (2021) stated 
that in Thailand’s fisheries sector, the use of nutrient-dense small fish from the Engraulidae 
family supports both nutrition and sustainability.43  According to Pawera et al., (2020) 
traditional food systems in Indonesia that include diverse crops like sago, tubers, and wild 
vegetables have the potential to be re-integrated into modern diets, offering both 
environmental and nutritional benefits.20  In West Papua, the local food systems are rich in 
sustainable, climate-resilient crops like sago, which could help reduce dependency on 
environmentally damaging staples like rice.22 Similarly, according to Fritz et al., (2021), wild 
food plants (WFPs) in West Sumatra such as various wild fruits and leafy greens still offer 
potential for enhancing dietary diversity and promoting sustainability if they are reintegrated 
into modern food systems. Increased knowledge and utilization of WFPs should be 
encouraged so that they can contribute to more sustainable diets.31  Timor-Leste, likewise, still 
has food insecurity as a pressing issue. Nevertheless, the country’s rich agricultural 
biodiversity presents a unique opportunity to promote sustainable diets. The country's 
agricultural potential is highlighted by its diverse range of crops, including pulses, tubers, 
vegetables, and fruits, which can enhance nutritional resilience among its population.46  

2. Government Policies and National Strategies 

Policy frameworks, such as Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Plan and 
Indonesia's Healthy Living Community Movement, provide a foundation for promoting 
sustainable diets through public health interventions and agricultural reform.7,37 Additionally, 

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the development of tools like the Sustainable Diet Index in Malaysia could serve as a model 
for other countries to track and promote sustainable eating practices and a conceptual 
framework for sustainable diets has been developed in Vietnam, incorporating input from 
national decision-makers and stakeholders. This framework includes measurable indicators 
across various domains such as food production, processing, distribution, and waste 
management, aiming to streamline policy conversations and improve decision-making 
transparency.23,44  Additionally, in Malaysia, functional food intake has been recognized as 
part of the country's strategy to promote sustainable diets.47 

3. Potential of Alternative Protein Sources 

One of the most promising areas for advancing sustainable diets in Southeast Asia is the 
development of alternative protein sources. In Indonesia, there is significant potential for edible 
insects such as Javanese grasshoppers, which have a lower environmental footprint 
compared to traditional livestock. The adoption of insect-based proteins could help meet the 
increasing demand for protein while reducing the ecological impact of food production.21 

Similarly, in Thailand, exploring alternative protein sources like algae, insect-based feeds, and 
corn gluten, are gaining momentum.43 Tan and Cheng (2024) also reported that public in 
Malaysia are becoming more interested in plant-based options to meat.48  

4. Digital Innovations and Consumer Awareness 

Digital platforms are also emerging as key enablers in promoting sustainable diets. In 
Indonesia, for example, the mobile application EatsUp® was developed to promote balanced 
and sustainable diets, particularly for obesity management. Although still in its early stages, 
the app has shown promise in integrating sustainable dietary practices into daily life by 
providing menu recommendations and dietary tracking tools.49  Besides that, the awareness 
of the consumers regarding sustainable diets is progressing. For example, consumer behavior 
in Vietnam is gradually shifting toward more sustainable consumption patterns, particularly 
among younger, urban populations. Young people in Hanoi have been observed to exhibit 
sustainable consumption behaviors, although the concept remains relatively new to many 
Vietnamese consumers.50  

DISCUSSION  

The findings of this scoping review underscore the complex interplay between cultural 
traditions, socioeconomic factors, and environmental challenges in shaping the development 
and adoption of sustainable diets across Southeast Asia. While progress has been made in 
certain countries, the overall picture reveals significant barriers that need to be addressed for 
sustainable diets to become a reality across the region. One of the most important themes in 
this review is the tension between tradition and modernity. Traditional diets in Southeast Asia 
are inherently more sustainable due to their reliance on plant-based foods and minimal 
environmental impact. However, the nutrition transition towards more Westernized diets poses 
a significant threat to both health and the environment. Addressing this issue requires a 
delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and promoting dietary changes aligned 
with sustainability goals. Policymakers must be mindful of these cultural sensitivities when 
designing and implementing sustainable food policies. 

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Economic factors also play a crucial role in hindering the adoption of sustainable diets in 
Southeast Asia, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Actually, the issue of economic 
challenge in the development and implementation of sustainable diets is not only an issue for 
Southeast Asian countries. Developed countries such as US and EU countries are facing 
similar issue. According to Biesbroek et al. (2023), many consumers still prioritize price, 
convenience, and taste over health, sustainability, and equity.51  However, in developed 
countries, the challenge often revolves around consumers’ willingness to pay premium prices 
for sustainable diets.52 In contrast, in Southeast Asia, affordability is a major issue for the 
majority of the population, where high levels of poverty and undernutrition make it difficult for 
people to prioritize sustainable food options over cheaper, less sustainable alternatives.18,34 
Moreover, almost every country in Southeast Asia is struggling with the problem of adequate 
infrastructure and market access. This is concerning because without adequate infrastructure 
and market access, smallholder farmers are often unable to produce and sell sustainable food 
products, further limiting the availability of these options to consumers. Therefore, 
governmental support, including subsidies and market incentives for sustainable agriculture, 
will be essential to overcoming these barriers. 

Defining and operationalizing sustainable diets in Southeast Asia is a complex process due to 
the involvement of diverse stakeholders, ranging from governments and NGOs to private 
sectors and consumers. This often leads to knowledge gaps, hindering the development and 
implementation of coherent policies.44  This is in stark contrast to the EU, where multi-level 
governance structures support coordinated policy efforts and allow for better integration 
across various sectors involved in sustainable food systems. For example, the EU’s Farm to 
Fork Strategy promotes a comprehensive and cohesive approach to making food systems fair, 
healthy, and environmentally friendly, while encouraging collaboration across member states 
to ensure policy coherence. Additionally, EU has adopted an integrated approach, linking 
agricultural, environmental, and public health policies to support the development of 
sustainable diets. This is reflected in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is 
designed to balance the needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment. This level of 
policy integration helps streamline efforts to implement sustainable diets across the EU, 
ensuring that policies do not conflict with one another but instead support shared sustainability 
goals.53 

Furthermore, the role of education and awareness cannot be understated. Many Southeast 
Asian consumers are still unaware of the health and environmental benefits of sustainable 
diets.31,48  Initiatives that raise awareness and promote behavioral changes are critical for 
driving demand for sustainable food options. Public health campaigns, school-based 
programs, and mobile applications are emerging as important tools for disseminating 
information and promoting behavioral change.  

Despite all the barriers, there are significant opportunities for promoting sustainable diets in 
Southeast Asia. The region’s rich biodiversity offers untapped potential for developing 
sustainable food systems. It has access to a wide variety of traditional crops, wild food plants, 
and climate-resilient crops like sago, which could be reintegrated into modern diets to enhance 
food security and sustainability. Additionally, government initiatives aimed at promoting 
sustainable agriculture, such as Indonesia’s Healthy Living Community Movement (GERMAS) 
and Malaysia’s Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification along with tools such as Malaysia’s 
Sustainable Diet Index (SDI) can help track and promote sustainable eating practices. 

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Finally, the review highlights the need for a concerted regional effort to promote sustainable 
diets due to many common challenges shared by the countries in this region, including rapid 
urbanization, environmental degradation, and the growing prevalence of non-communicable 
diseases. Collaborative initiatives, such as regional frameworks for sustainable food 
production and consumption, can provide a unified approach to addressing these issues. 
Regional cooperation through policy harmonization and knowledge sharing can further 
accelerate these efforts. Collaborations to support sustainable food production and 
consumption, aligned with national strategies like Thailand's National Economic and Social 
Development Plan, will be key to achieving broader sustainability goals.  

However, this review has several limitations that may affect the comprehensiveness of the 
findings. The available literature was unevenly distributed, with more studies from countries 
like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and fewer from smaller nations such as Timor-Leste 
and Myanmar, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to the entire region. In 
addition, the review did not assess the quality of the included studies, which is inherent to the 
scoping review methodology, so the strength of evidence may vary. The reliance on English-
language studies also excludes research published in local languages, potentially overlooking 
important regional insights. Finally, the scope of this review was limited to examining barriers 
and opportunities for sustainable diets, without exploring specific solutions or interventions, 
which could be addressed in future research. 

CONCLUSION 

This scoping review highlights both the opportunities and barriers to advancing sustainable 
diets in Southeast Asia. While the region’s rich biodiversity, traditional food systems, and 
emerging policy frameworks offer significant potential for the promotion of sustainable diets, 
various challenges persist, including economic constraints, cultural resistance, and 
infrastructural limitations. Nutritional transitions driven by urbanization and Western dietary 
influences further complicate the region's path towards sustainability. However, opportunities 
such as the promotion of alternative protein sources, digital innovations, and increasing 
awareness among younger generations provide promising avenues for future progress. 
Addressing these barriers will require coordinated efforts from governments, communities, 
and stakeholders to create tailored policies that respect cultural contexts while promoting 
environmental sustainability and public health. Future research and interventions should focus 
on scaling up successful initiatives, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering regional 
collaboration to accelerate the adoption of sustainable diets across Southeast Asia. 

Declarations 

Authors' contribution 

T.F. conceptualized the study, conducted the literature search and data charting, and drafted 
the manuscript. A.S. and I.T. supervised the research process and provided critical input 
throughout the review development. S.K.P. contributed to refining the study protocol and 
supported the interpretation of findings. All authors reviewed and approved the final 
manuscript. 

Funding statement 

https://doi.org/10.26555/eshr.v3i1.3629
https://doi.org/10.26555/eshr.v3i1.3629


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This research has not received external funding. 

Conflict of interest 

There is no conflict of interest in this research.  

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