The Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Biosphere Reserve (BKDSBR) of Kapuas Hulu has been established by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme since July 2018. In 2020, the Regent of Kapuas Hulu formed the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF), consisting of 80 people in the secretariat forum, as a tool of coordination and communication between stakeholders, both from the government, the private sector and CSOs. During the implementation of the biosphere reserve programme, the MSF has experienced various obstacles and challenges. In response, representatives from BKDSBR conducted a visit to the Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve (LLBR) from 12 - 16 December 2022 to see, study and exchange experiences regarding the management of biosphere reserves.

The arrival of the BKDSBR team was welcomed by the Head of the Central Sulawesi Province Bappeda, Dr. Ir. Christina Shandra Tobondo, MT. The LLBR team then took the BKDSBR team to several strategic locations currently under LLBR management, such as the LLBR secretariat in the Lore Lindu National Park, a shop selling various SME products produced by the LLBR (Rumah Coklat), a shop selling various forest management units products (Galeri KPH) and an orchid community group operating within the LLBR (Kareba Orchid of LLBR). Several important points were raised during the discussion, including in relation to the following areas:

- Coordination through multistakeholder forums, including the placement of an effective Biosphere Reserve secretariat.
- Synchronization of existing government plans with the Biosphere Reserve programme.
- The branding of Biosphere Reserve products through a product registration and verification system.

As a follow-up to this study visit, BKDSBR will implement various activities that have already been implemented by the LLBR, such as the placement of a biosphere reserve secretariat and synchronisation with government plans and budgets to support the biosphere reserve programme.

For more information, please contact:
Fikty Aprilinayati, Advisor for Sustainable Forest Management and Biosphere Reserve Management
Ismet Khaeruddin, Senior Adviser for Biodiversity Focal Point for the KFW Forest Program 3 and Provincial Coordinator for Central Sulawesi