In an effort to support the implementation of the national programme on Social Forestry within the province of Southwest Papua, the Social Forestry and Environmental Partnership Agency (BPSKL) of Maluku-Papua Section II Region, working in conjunction with FORCLIME, has been providing facilitation for forest farmer groups (KTH) in FORCLIME supported villages in the regency of Tambrauw, specifically the villages of Emmaus and Bikar. Recent activities in these areas included the dissemination of information relating to the Social Forestry schemes, which took place from 27 – 30 August 2023. This activity was attended by the BPSKL Maluku Papua Section II Region and the Tambrauw Production Forest Management Unit (KPHP), as well as by the relevant village governments, traditional leaders, community leaders and owners of customary land rights from the two villages. During the meeting, the Head of BPKSL Maluku Papua Region II, Mrs. Lilian Komaling S.Hut., M.Sc., gave a presentation on the Social Forestry schemes that addressed the benefits, advantages, weaknesses and challenges of the five existing schemes.

The Social Forestry Programme will open up opportunities for communities around forests to apply for forest management rights from the government. The overall aim in this regard is to improve community welfare while protecting forests. Since 2021, FORCLIME has been supporting KTH within the two villages in question. The activities that are being carried out within the two villages are aimed at increasing the capacities of the relevant KTH in an attempt to improve the local economy through alternative livelihoods that involve non-timber forest products.

As a follow-up to this activity, KTH in both villages will be assisted during efforts to determine suitable social forestry schemes that match up with the conditions and potentials of their respective areas. Moreover, relevant agencies other than BPSKL Maluku Papua Section II Region and KPHP Tambrauw are also set to become involved in this initiative.

For more information, please contact:
Nita Yohana, Advisor for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for West Papua Province
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Tanah Papua