Forest farmers’ groups in Wasur and Yanggandur Villages utilize and manage non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in traditional areas of the National Park of Wasur. To strengthen institutional and area management in each village, the Wasur National Park, supported by FORCLIME, has been conducting training sessions for members of these forest farmers’ groups with the goal that each group member should be able to understand their roles and responsibilities as regards support for NTFP management activities. The training sessions also offered knowledge relating to the establishment of communications between members so that group organization will be able to improve in the future. In addition, training participants also gained knowledge relating to group administration, specifically mutually agreed group rules and the distribution of business results.

Moreover, in terms of area management, participants were presented with knowledge relating to area management and the sustainable use of NTFPs. In addition, because they are active in the Wasur National Park area, the participants also received input relating to the zoning of the conservation area and the communities that engage in activities within the traditional zone. The training sessions also discussed the value of the local wisdom that can be applied during the management of areas. For example, the system that is used to open and close areas, which is known as Sasi, comprises a local legal system that contains various prohibitions and obligations relating to the picking or taking of potential natural resources of certain types during certain periods. Valuable local wisdom such as this can be applied as part of efforts to protect the Wasur National Park.

During the training sessions, participants practiced making a sketch map of the group's working area in relation to the products that they produce. Meanwhile, in terms of the sustainable use of natural resources, participants gained knowledge of sustainable use practices, such as rotating the sourcing of eucalyptus oil leaves, as well as the importance of not felling eucalyptus trees and not picking eucalyptus leaves from a single tree.

The capacity-building training for members of forest farmers’ groups of Yanggandur Village was held from 17 - 18 October 2022 at the Yanggandur Village Hall. Meanwhile, the training in Wasur Village was conducted from 20 - 21 October 2022 at the Wasur Village Hall.

As a follow-up to the training sessions, all forest farmers’ groups have been required to complete various organizational and administrative forms. In addition, each group also has to complete their management area sketch map.

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 Provinces