As part of  FORCLIME‘s support to set up forest management unit (FMU) operationalization, the Directorate of Area Management and Preparation of Forest Area Utilization (WP3H) together with FORCLIME held a training workshop for forestry academicians to become advisors for FMU development in Region I (Sumatera). The event took place in Medan from 16th to 18th of June 2014 and was attended by lecturers from various universities in Sumatera, local and central government representatives, FMUs, and NGOs/ CSOs in North Sumatera. Further support was provided by the FMU National Secretariat (Seknas KPH) and the North Sumatera University.

The participation of NGO/ CSO members in the training in Medan was a new element compared to previous workshops in Kalimantan or Sulawesi to which only academicians had been invited. This new strategy is part oft the efforts to develop a common understanding about the concept of FMUs and identify the role of every party in supporting FMU development and its operations. Additionally, the workshop also explored the Conservation FMU (KPHK) concept, as well as lessons learnt from resort-based management challenges and strategies that have already been implemented at the Gunung Leuser National Park.

The participants in the workshop gave positive feedback about the training and stated that they had gained a lot of knowledge which they can later use in their work. In particular, the importance of having a handbook to support forestry academicians with FMU development facilitation has been highlighted. In response to various inputs and suggestions from participants, the Directorate of WP3H stated its readiness to facilitate the process of coordination between its technical units at the regional level and the forestry academicians.

For more details, please contact:
Gatot Moeryanto, Senior Adviser for FMU development