FORCLIME with project partners, that is Malinau Forest Management Unit (FMU), forestry extension workers, and FORCLIME–FC conducted a meeting on market development related to the Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS) in North Kalimantan on 22 May 2019 in Malinau. This meeting aimed to introduce a concept of how to gain access to the market and implement a sustainable market development. Daniel Maertz, Development Advisor, facilitated this meeting with a presentation and discussion.

Social Forestry (HUTSOS) has given local community access to manage forest land, including access to non-timber forest products (NTFP) and environmental services. HUTSOS has also established community business groups (KUPS). In North Kalimantan, local communities i.e. KUPS have been working together with forestry extension workers and NGOs since proposing the HUTSOS to the MoEF. Extension workers and farmers are the main players in the community business and market development. However, a lack of capacities, remains influential in every aspect of the market development. Therefore, GIZ FORCLIME will develop a market development model related to Social Forestry in North Kalimantan in cooperation with local communities.

Daniel Maertz stated that “the model will emphasize the capacity development of the potential KUPS and extension workers, including FMU staff. Each KPH in cooperation with farmer groups will determine 1 to 2 KUPS schemes through mutual consensus. The concepts of Forestry partnership, community forestry (HKM), or village forest will form part of the market analysis, local knowledge, cultural values and needs will play a major role in the development of the analysis.”

For more information, please contact:
Mohammad Sidiq, Province Coordinator North Kalimantan
Daniel Maertz, Development Advisor North Kalimantan