In order to continue with the dissemination of information on community empowerment plans for the social forestry programme within the West Papuan villages of Emaus and Bikar, the FORCLIME team, together with representatives from the West Papua Provincial Forestry Service and KPHP IV Tambrauw, visited the two villages in question on 15 – 20 June 2022. The visit aimed to publicize information regarding the programme plan that will be jointly implemented by FORCLIME, the West Papua Provincial Forestry Service and KPHP IV Tambrauw within both villages. The visit also sought to seek approval from the holders of customary rights, village heads, customary groups, religious leaders, youth leaders, women leaders and members of the Forest Farmers Group (KTH) as regards the implementation of the programme.

The meeting was opened by Mr. Yunus W. Krey, S.Hut, M.Si as Head of the Division for Forest Development and Social Forestry at the West Papua Provincial Forestry Service, who then went on to socialize the social forestry scheme. Mr. Yunus explained that social forestry comprised a scheme through which communities are able to manage forests sustainably in order to fulfill their daily needs. Furthermore, KTH have already been established in two villages, namely KTH Syudouw in Bikar and KTH Sunju in Emmaus. However, social forestry area managers have not yet been registered on the Indicative Map of Social Forestry Areas (PIAPS).

Nita Yohana from FORCLIME, in her role as Coordinator for West Papua Province, outlined the various activities that are set to be implemented in the hope of increasing the forest management capacities of the KTH through the social forestry programmes. The district and village heads, the Head of the Abun Tribe Customary Community Institution and various customary Leaders also offered a few words affirming their support for this valuable programme.

As a follow-up, village facilitators will develop a group work plan with KTH members and initiate the implementation of the programme.

“I am thankful for this programme and I hope that we follow up on it together. The facilitators will be coordinating with the group every day”, explained Mr. Wehelmus Yesnath, the Head of Kampung Bikar.

For more information, please contact:
Melanesia Brigite Boseren, Junior Advisor for Rural Livelihood, Forest Management and Conservation
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Provinces