The FORCLIME Programme facilitated the participation of ten representatives from different Dayak groups from East and West Kalimantan in the Knowledge Fair that was held as part of the ASEAN Social Forestry Network (ASFN) 2nd Annual Conference in Brunei Darussalam at the end of June. For the handicraft makers this was not only a great opportunity to present their work to an international audience and exchange information and products, but also the first time they met with other groups from the Heart of Borneo region both from within and outside Indonesia.

The conference with the theme “Forest for People: The role of Social Forestry in REDD+ and Forest Conservation” contributed to ASFN’s goal of strengthening ASEAN cooperation in Social Forestry through establishing an information and communication system, exchanging knowledge and sharing experiences. FORCLIME presented its activities related to the Heart of Borneo Initiative and biodiversity conservation. Almost 200 people from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the conference. ASFN is the first intergovernmental social forestry network in Southeast Asia.

The Knowledge Fair’s purpose was to promote programs and activities at regional, national as well as local level from relevant projects and initiatives in the ASEAN region, by displaying products, posters, roll-up banners, as well as other publication materials related to the main theme of the ASFN Conference. At the fair several stands were selling and displaying non timber forest products such as Rattan handicraft, woven cloth, honey, silk, special fruit that only grows in Thailand, bee wax, etc.

The Dayak participants had prepared and set up their stand with enthusiasm and determination to display their handicraft in the best possible manner. It is safe to say that the result was very eye catching, maybe even one of the favourite stalls for some people. Another very special touch was added to our stall, as all our representatives wore traditional clothing and looked very beautiful in them. This caused a lot of positive commotion and so at the end of the day, hundreds of pictures were taken with the Dayaks and many items were sold!

For information contact:
Heinz Terhorst
Team Leader
Component 3: Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development in HoB Areas
Tel: +62 (0)21 572 0212
E-mail: heinz.terhorst@eco-consult.com


For further information on the ASEAN Social Forestry Network, consult: www.asfnsec.org