In April, FORCLIME conducted a two-day photography workshop on “BiodiverCity: Habitat Jakarta” as part of side events organized during the exhibition of the FORCLIME Photo Contest 2011, which was displayed at the GeotheHaus Jakarta from 18 April to 5 May 2012. Side events comprised presentations, talk shows and workshops related to forests, biodiversity conservation and climate change in Indonesia.

The photography workshop aimed to increase public’s awareness about the amazingly rich fauna and flora in Jakarta. Students of environmental science, biology, spatial planning, conservation and forestry from universities in Jakarta and adjacent cities participated in the workshop. During the 2-day event, the students visited the Muara Angke wildlife reserved to experience Jakarta wilderness in order to develop a greater understanding on the crucial values of healthy eco-systems in urban areas. They learned not only about how to capture the nature but also gained knowledge about current problems faced by big cities like Jakarta due to rapid urban development. Photographs taken by participants during the field observation were displayed at the GoetheHaus along with the Exhibition of the FORCLIME Photo Contest 2011, where FORCLIME presented the winners and runners-up of the “Biodiversity” special award and photographs of the “Honourable Mention” category. The FORCLIME Photo Contest 2011 was conducted to celebrate the International Year of Forests 2011 in Indonesia together with the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry. Winning and runner-up photographs are presented at FORCLIME’s website http://forclime.org/