Following up to the training on Sustainable Livelihoods Assessment (SLA) that was conducted in Malinau District in June 2013, a feasibility study on people's livelihoods for short-term investments was carried out. The study was collaboratively conducted by FORCLIME and the District Forestry Service of Malinau, with the Head of Conservation Department as the programme coordinator. The study was conducted in 15 villages in Hulu Bahau and Pujungan sub-districts in Malinau District for two weeks from August 26 to 10 September. The study team was divided into five groups, of which each group worked in 3 villages.

In addition to providing an overview of the condition in every village, the activity also aimed to facilitate the community to develop ideas related to improving their income. For example villagers at Long Lame village now plan to develop sustainable agriculture systems by planting vegetables and nuts as primary commodities. Moreover, Pujungan villagers want to develop fisheries and rubber plantations. The activity also explored public perceptions on forest utilization, particularly to identify important area for socio-economic compliance (High Conservation Value -  HCV 5) and areas important for the cultural identity of traditional communities (HCV 6).

For further information please contact:
Indah Astuti (Community Participation Expert of DPMU Malinau)
Toni Salsius (Forestry Expert of DPMU Malinau)