With the intention to extend the understanding on biochar application, FORCLIME together with its partners from East and West Kalimantan visited the experimental station of the Soil Research Department of the Center of Agricultural Research and Development of East Lampung. The purpose of the visit was to see potential benefits of biochar for improving land productivity and carbon sequestration. Participants visited and studied the biochar facility from the application to agricultural land and management of plantations and forestry, and the possibility for application at an operational scale.

The group of seven visitors was composed of members of the Soil Lab of Mulawarman University in East Kalimantan, the Plantation Service of East Kalimantan, the Forest Management Unit (FMU) of West Berau (East Kalimantan), the FMU of Kapuas Hulu (West Kalimatan), and GIZ FORCLIME advisors.

The participants obtained comprehensive information and knowledge about various aspects of biochar, such as production techniques, application in various sectors of land use, carbon sequestration, and bioenergy that may be obtained from the application of biochar.
Currently FORCLIME initiates cooperation with the Faculty of Forestry, University of Mulawarman to study the potential application of biochar to mitigate the effects of climate change. The cooperation includes capacity building, research and publications.

Biochar is charcoal produced from burning biomass through the process of thermochemical decomposition of organic material at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen (Pyrolysis). The use of biological charcoal (Biochar) is considered a breakthrough that can contribute to emission reduction, carbon storage, and soil improvement.

Further information, please contact:
Tunggul Butarbutar, Strategic Area Manager for FMU Development