In order to prepare for the implementation of priority programmes in conjunction with FORCLIME, the Papua Forestry and Environment Service (Dinas KLH) held a coordination meeting with FORCLIME on 22 May 2022 in the meeting room of the XXI Production Forest Management Unit (KPHP XXI) office in Sarmi Regency, Papua Province. The meeting was opened by the Head of Planning for Dinas KLH, Dr. Estiko Tri Wiradyo, SH. M.Sc. and was also attended by representatives from KPHP XXI Mamberamo-Sarmi and KPHP XXIII Sarmi.

During his opening address, Dr. Estiko explained that, to date, support for forest management units (KPH) has prioritized the KPH Model, including within the Biak Numfor protected forest (KPHL Biak Numfor). Working in conjunction with FORCLIME, support for the strengthening of FMUs is also now set to be implemented within KPHP XXI and KPHP XXIII. At both of these KPHPs, FORCLIME will offer technical assistance in an effort to improve overall governance, in addition to supporting the development of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Ultimately, the hope is that the two KPHPs will become examples capable of inspiring the whole of north Papua.

During his presentation, the Acting Head of KPHP XXIII Sarmi, Henoch Kende, explained that in addition to terrestrial areas, the KPHP XXIII area also encompasses the working areas of five islands that have ecotourism potential as fishing spots and turtle nesting locations. Other potential areas of development include eco-tourism within the locations of the area’s waterfalls, the production of Trigona honey and the development of NTFPs such as agarwood leaves, which are used to make agarwood tea. In addition, this area boasts a high level of forest product utilization, including damar and merbau timbers. The area’s wildlife parks (TSL), which are home to many species of bird, also have significant potential but require further data collection, while KPHP XXIII also has potential as a source of agarwood nurseries.

The head of the KPHP Unit XXI planning section at Mamberamo-Sarmi, Debora Sawen, explained during her presentation that KPHP XXI had significant NTFP potential, specifically in terms of red fruit oil and processed sago cookies.
In addition, the area also boasts a number of ecotourism waterfalls and hot springs, however, these will require significant development through advertising and ecotourism design in order to transform them into tourist attractions.

FORCLIME is set to offer various types of support, including the following:
- Technical guidance relating to the preparation of forest management plans (RPHJP).
- A bio-geophysical study of the area will be implemented in stages in line with the availability of FORCLIME funds.
- Leadership training will be offered at the management level at KPH and the Dinas KLH Office.
- Digital marketing training will be offered in an effort to strengthen the Forestry Creative Gallery so that it will be able to support the sale of non-timber forest products from KPHP XXI and KPHP XXIII, which are currently being marketed through the gallery.
- Preparation of a master plan for the development of ecotourism within the Sarmi area.

“FORCLIME support, particularly the study of biodiversity and KPHP XXI potential, should prove very useful during planning processes for KPHP XXIII and will mean that the preparation of RPHJP documents can be undertaken based on the existing potential,” explained Henoch Kende, Acting Head of KPHP XXIII.

For more information, please contact:
Theodora F. Resubun, Advisor for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua Province
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Province