FORCLIME recently demonstrated its support for the celebration of World Environment Day in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi in collaboration with the Sigi Regency Government through the Forestry Service and Tourism Office, as well as with the SMAN 6 state high school. The celebrations involved a series of activities, including tree planting and the return of orchids to their natural habitat (restocking). The orchid restocking was carried out in the Ranjuri Ancient Forest, which has been designated as one of Central Sulawesi’s Biodiversity Parks. The restocking of orchids in the Ranjuri ancient forest aims to enrich the forest and increase public awareness regarding the importance of protecting the forest and its contents.

In order to monitor the development and condition of the orchids that have been returned to the forest, the Sigi Regency Government, supported by FORCLIME, organized various monitoring activities, which were implemented by students and teachers from SMAN 6 Sigi Regency, as well as by the various parties responsible for the restocking of the orchids. Said monitoring activities were inaugurated by the Head of the Sigi Regency Tourism Office, Mr. Heru Murtanto, S.Pd., and were carried out over a period of one month commencing 28 June 2024 (Phase I). The activities carried out included the identification of planted orchids, as well as their regular maintenance and fertilization. In addition to observing the development of orchids planted in the Ranjuri ancient forest, a guidebook will also be created as a result of this monitoring activity and will contain instructions that interested community groups will be able to use to restock orchids on their own initiative.

"This orchid restocking monitoring aims to ensure orchid plants can grow and develop optimally," said Deputy Head of SMAN 6 for curriculum, Mrs. Fitri Daryanti, S.Pd., M.Pd. "We also express our gratitude to GIZ for supporting this programme," she added.

The restocking will be followed up by the activities listed below:
1. Further monitoring of the development of the planted orchids will be carried out.
2. Outreach efforts will be organized in communities living around the Ranjuri ancient forest and will address the orchid restocking process.
3. Progress reports on the orchid restocking process will be drawn up.

For more information, please contact:
Arif Hidayat, Junior Forestry and Biodiversity Advisor
Ismet Khaeruddin, Senior Adviser for Biodiversity Conservation and Provincial Coordinator for Central Sulawesi