In order to continue with support for Forest Farming Groups (KTH) in Yanggandur Village and Wasur Village, Merauke, FORCLIME recently coordinated with the Wasur National Park (NP) Management to discuss various priorities that will be jointly implemented within the two villages during 2023. This coordination meeting was held on Wednesday, 11 January 2023 at the Wasur NP office and was led by the Head of the Wasur NP Management, Mr. Yarman, S.Hut, M.P.

The meeting commenced with an evaluation of the various activities that were undertaken during 2022. Said activities involved FORCLIME support for the dissemination of information about the programme based on the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and the strengthening of the capacities of KTH so that they can better manage their areas, institutions and businesses. FORCLIME also facilitated a study visit to a KTH in West Bali, as well as to an exhibition in Jayapura. The KTH in Wasur are focusing on the development of nature-based tourism services, orchid cultivation and the development of sarang semut tea. Sarang semut or Myrmecodia spp is a plant that is commonly found in Papua and is believed to have various health benefits. The word, “Myrmecodia” derives from the Greek language and means, “surrounded by ants”. The plant itself features a perforated shape and is indeed used as a nest by ants.

Meanwhile, the Yanggandur group is focusing on the development of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), such as trigona honey, candlenut oil, eucalyptus oil, red fruit oil, shredded tilapia fish and banana-based processed products.

Based on the results of the discussion, FORCLIME will continue to support the capacity strengthening of KTH during 2023 and will also continue to engage in market access analysis. In addition, Mr. Yarman issued instructions aimed at supporting the management of distribution permits and orchid trade permits so that orchid marketing can be undertaken on a broader basis.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Yarman offered his impressions of the villages’ various activities, stating that, "Hopefully, through community development activities in the supported villages, these villages will be able to reap the optimal benefits of NTFP management and ultimately improve their standards of living”.

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