With the intention of synergizing activities relating to the conservation of natural resources in West Papua Province, FORCLIME held a coordination meeting with the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) in Manokwari on 7 October 2021. The online meeting, which was opened by Yuna Brata Purba, the Head of the Sub-Division for Reporting, Data and Public Relations at the West Papua BBKSDA, addressed opportunities for the joint implementation of various conservation-related activities.

During the meeting, the FORCLIME West Papua Team discussed the possibility of FORCLIME supporting various activities, including:
1. Technical training for BBKSDA staff in relation to biodiversity inventorying and spatial data training.
2. Training for facilitators/extensions in assisted villages.
3. Assistance with the preparation of the Regional Long-Term Management Plan (RPJP) for the BBKSDA area.
4. Support for the implementation of the inventorying of BBKSDA area potentials.

The West Papua BBKSDA has welcomed the forthcoming support plan. Currently, a total of 19 villages are being assisted within the BBKSDA working area by nine mentors. However, the BBKSDA is targeting t increase in this number to 50 assisted villages by 2024 and support from various development partners is very much required as a result.

For more information, please contact:
Nita Yohana, Adviser for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for West Papua Province
Melanesia Brigite Boseren, Junior Adviser for Rural Livelihood, Forest Management and Conservation
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Provinces

Created: 25 October 2021

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Following the success of the talkshow for the EU Climate Diplomacy Week in 2019, this year FORCLIME together with UNESCO Man and Biosphere progamme (MAB) Indonesia hosted a virtual session talking about biosphere reserve developments in Indonesia. The event on the 13 October 2021 celebrated also the 50th anniversary of the Man and Biosphere programme (MAB) of UNESCO. During the session, participants received insights about biosphere reserve in Indonesia from the UNESCO Indonesia and the national research and innovation agency (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional-BRIN). Moreover, experiences from the Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu and Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserves were presented by SASCI and the Head of Economic Planning of Central Sulawesi Planning Agency (Bappeda), Dr. Irwan, FORCLIME’s counterpart. Additionally, voices of young generation about biosphere reserve were presented by Ms Sukma Riverningtyas, an MAB youth representative.

Climate Diplomacy Week is a time when EU Delegations around the world reach out to communities and partner organisations, highlighting positive global action and collaboration on climate change.

Further information about FORCLIME’s activities at the Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve, please contact:
Ismet Khaeruddin, Senior Adviser for Biodiversity Focal Point for the KFW Forest Program 3 & Provincial Coordinator Central Sulawesi

Created: 14 October 2021

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In an effort to increase the capacities of assisted forest farmer groups, the Environmental and Forestry Education and Training Center (BD LHK) in Makassar, South Sulawesi held an informal meeting on 16 September 2021. The meeting was attended by 20 representatives of the Mattiro Deceng Forest Farmers Group, the BD LHK team in Makassar, the Extension Officer from the Forest Management Unit (KPH) of Bulusaraung and FORCLIME. During the meeting, which was led by the Head of the evaluation department at BD LHK Makassar, the Forestry Extension Officer and FORCLIME’s adviser, the Mattiro Deceng affirmed that the processing of palm sugar and natural honey was making a significant contribution to the community’s income. However, the community continues to face various challenges, including: (1) The production and quality of palm sap is being strongly influenced by the climate; (2) The harvesting of honey continues to be undertaken through the use of the fumigation technique, which has the potential to cause forest fires, as well as accidents, due to the fact that this technique involves the climbing of tall trees; (3) The marketing of palm sugar and honey is still being undertaken on an individual basis, meaning that the overall bargaining position of the community remains low and that prices fluctuate. In the wake of these problems, the Mattiro Deceng are hoping to receive support for the marketing of wild honey and palm sugar, as well as in relation to the diversification of their palm-sugar products and the introduction of sustainable bee harvesting.

The Mattiro Deceng Forest Farmers Group live in Panggalungan in Tabo-Tabo Village in Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi. This village is one of a number that surrounds the Tabo-Tabo Training Forest. The group was first formed by the Forestry Extension Officer at BD LHK Makassar back in 2014. The Mattiro Deceng comprises 30 people who are working to develop their business, which involves the processing of palm sugar and the harvesting of wild honey from the Tabo-Tabo Training Forest area.

As a follow-up to this meeting, the KTH Mattiro Deceng will continue to hold regular meetings in order to discuss solutions to the various challenges that they continue to face.

For more information, please contact:
Edy Marbyanto, Strategic Area Manager for Human Capacity Development
Daniel Maertz, Adviser for Adult Education and Training

Created: 13 October 2021

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