The Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS) was formed in an effort to encourage local communities to become actively involved in forest management. Through KUPS, village communities, particularly villagers who are members of groups, can work together to improve their overall welfare while managing their forest resources sustainably.

To increase the KUPS grade of the Doda Village Forest Management Institute (LPHD) in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, the Kulawi Forest Management Unit (KPH Kulawi), supported by FORCLIME, held a coordination meeting on 8 July 2024 at the KPH Kulawi office. This meeting was held to prepare for an assessment of the categories of two KUPS, namely Sintuwu Singgani and Namomi Singgani, which are currently in the ‘Blue’ category but are predicted to be able to move up to the ‘Silver’ category. Assessments of potential increases in KUPS grades are completed in line with Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number 9 of 2021 on Social Forestry Management and are carried out twice annually in an effort to increase said grades. It is also hoped that such class assessments will later become the basis for identifying needs that can be supported by KPH and other parties while improving the KUPS grade at LPHD Doda.

The meeting, which was attended by KPH Kulawi Social Forestry Extension Officers, as well as by the KPH Kulawi Extension Coordinator, also discussed a dissemination plan that will promote the existence of the Doda Village Forest so that the community can gain an understanding and knowledge of the Doda Village Forest area. In addition, the meeting also discussed the installation of KUPS Sintuwu Singgani and Namomi Singgani signs at the homes of KUPS members who are serving as members of the KUPS Secretariat. These initiatives aim to inform and educate the village community about the LPHD and KUPS in Doda Village. Moreover, the Secretariat can also be used as a collaborative forum by administrators and members in order to generate additional income from the various products that group members make.

For more information, please contact:
Muhammad Yusuf, Advisor for Social Forestry and Sustainable Forest Management
Ismet Khaeruddin, Senior Adviser for Biodiversity and Provincial Coordinator for Central Sulawesi