To improve the understanding of villagers on the importance of biodiversity conservation at community level the management of village forest management board (LPHD) of Batang Kanyau and and GIZ FORCLIME conducted a training on participatory conservation planning on 28-29 January 2015 in Mataso, Kapuas Hulu district. In addition to the members of LPHD, participants of the training included representatives from the forest management unit (KPH Model) of Kapuas Hulu, FORCLIME-FC and Betung Kerihun National Park. The training was also aimed to build an understanding of the importance of identifying conservation targets within village forest of Manua Sadap. This village has received rights to manage its forest of 1,395 Ha referring to the Ministry of Forestry decree No.61/Menhut-II/2014.

The training process revealed that community has local wisdom related to the sustainable of natural utilization, in the Iban language the word conservation is synonym with para which means to maintain in order to be able to yield. This makes it easier for participants to understand the concept of conservation. In the training participants also obtained information about the conservation targets, conditions and threats, managing strategy, relevant stakeholders and measuring the successes.

To follow up the training, the Board of LPHD Batang Kanyau will disseminate information regarding conservation targets and village regulation on hunting activity. During his closing speech, the Customary Leader expressed his appreciation of the training that has strengthened the understanding of natural resources management as an important aspect in community life and the need to regulate it as an important measure to ensure sustainability for the future.

For more information, please contact:
Ismet Khaeruddin, Strategic Area Manager for Biodiversity and Management of Protected Area
Karlina Kartika, Technical Adviser for CBFM