FORCLIME collaborates with the Center for Watershed Management (BP DAS) of Mahakam Berau and the local NGO Kawal Borneo Community Foundation (KBCF). These three organisations conducted a meeting which aimed to share experiences in facilitating activities related to Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on 25-26 April 2014. The event was attended by 50 representatives of relevant parties related to forestry in Kalimantan, particularly organizations or institutions that provide assistance to communities in managing their forest areas.

The results of the meeting are as follows: At the provincial level, it is necessary to have the governor's legislation for a technical manual to verify Village Forest Management Rights; while at the district level, it is necessary to build up Forest Village Institutions to improve the organization and the human resources at the site level. Additionally, participants also obtained information on the current status of CBFM schemes – such as village forest and social forest/HKm – in Kalimantan, the methodologies which were used, and the problems in the management of CBFM systems.

To follow up the meeting, a media-based communication system was established which uses SMS service centers and social networks in order to provide updated information on CBFM to interested parties. Additionally, this action will help to channel the communities’ complaints and constraints in the implementation of community forestry and village forests management schemes in Kalimantan.

For further information, please contact:
Ali Mustofa, Thematic Leader of Community Empowerment