In an effort to promote sustainable forest management through a targeted economic empowerment framework, the Wasur National Park, supported by FORCLIME, held a special Promotion Week for the Cultivation of Endemic Wasur Orchids in Wasur Village, Merauke Regency, South Papua from 8 – 9 December 2023. The Wasur Orchid Promotion Week was aimed at the promotion of cultivated orchid plants developed by the Bualas Community as non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which have high sales values capable of boosting the local family economy. However, the week also represented a show of support for knowledge exchanges relating to the development of orchid cultivation and, in turn, hopefully improving the overall welfare of customary communities residing in the Wasur National Park.

The Wasur Orchid Promotion Week not only offered an opportunity to introduce Merauke orchids to a wider community but was also a communication forum through which various opportunities and challenges could be discussed as a part of efforts aimed at the preservation of orchids as plants that have economic value for the peoples who have been involved in this business for a long time, namely the Bualas Community. In this regard, a discussion was held on the first day of the event and featured a speech from Mr. Yarman, S.Hut., M.P in his role as Head of the Wasur National Park on the topic of the Importance of Preserving the Wasur Orchid. In addition, Mr. Benhur Rentandantu, Head of the Merauke Regency Tourism and Culture Office, made a presentation on Economic Opportunities for Orchid Wasur as a Tourist Destination. Meanwhile, the discussions that were held during the event resulted in the following conclusions:

1. Orchid management as a source of economic potential for the community of Wasur Village can still be pursued through licensing within the Special National Park Zone.
2. Efforts to promote orchid plants should be implemented in line with market opportunities, which are currently quite high.
3. Efforts to utilize orchid plants in order to boost the economies of conservation areas should be carried out in accordance with applicable licensing procedures so that their sustainability can be maintained.

The hope is that in the wake of the Wasur Orchid Cultivation Promotion Week, local communities will be able to increase the incomes that are generated through their cultivation results. In addition, it is also hoped that the interest and understanding of the communities of Merauke will be increased in order to ensure the protection and conservation of plants throughout the Wasur National Park area.

For more information, please contact:
Rut M Ohoiwutun, Junior Adviser for Community Forestry and Hutan Adat, Papua
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Tanah Papua