Over the last two years, FORCLIME has engaged in a series of activities aimed at encouraging the Papua Provincial Forestry and Environment Service (DKLH) to post achievements in relation to community empowerment development. In this regard, it was decided to support the Isite forest farmers group (KTH) in Barongko Village, Distrik Ebungfauw, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province. This village has been assisted by DKLH Papua since 2012.

The village of Barongko has significant potential in terms of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including extensive sago forests, freshwater fish commodities and woodcarving crafts. The villagers also process khombow wood (Ficus spp), which is used as their primary carving material. In addition, Babrongko also boasts a bird of paradise observation point which can be developed as an ecotourism location. In order to increase productivity and development in relation to these NTFP products, FORCLIME, working in conjunction with the University of Ottow Geissler Papua (UOGP), is supporting the forest farmers group in the village of Babrongko through a local subsidy scheme, which was introduced to the Isite forest farmers group on 14 April 2023. This activity was opened by the Head of the Village Government of Babrongko, Mr. Orgenes Wally, and was attended by representatives from UOGP and FORCLIME, in addition to KTH Isite members.

Through this local subsidy scheme, mentoring activities are being designed by UOGP, which is led by the Local Subsidy Project Leader, Mr. Frank Leo Apituley, S.Hut., M.Si., who is working in conjunction with the Head of KTH Isite, Mr. Septinus Wally, S.Th., who is also a facilitator for Babrongko. The various activities that are being put together are expected to be in line with the aspirations of the KTH. Meanwhile, financing for the implementation of these activities is being provided by FORCLIME. In the wake of this dissemination event, the Isite forest farmers group are set to develop a business plan in conjunction with the University of Ottow Geissler Papua.

For more information, please contact:
Rut M Ohoiwutun, Junior Advisor for Community Forestry and Customary Forest, Papua
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager, Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Provinces