With the intention of preparing independent Forest Management Units (Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan-KPH), the West Kalimantan Provincial Forestry Service together with the Kapuas Hulu District Government and FORCLIME conducted a training on Entrepreneurship and Business Development for  Forest Management Units on 3 to 7 September in Putussibau, West Kalimantan. The training aims to improve knowledge and skills in identifying business opportunities, analyzing value chains and preparing business plans for selected non-timber forest products. Training participants, 31 people, represented the KPH Kapuas Hulu Utara, KPH Kapuas Hulu Timur, KPH Kapuas Hulu Selatan, the Village Forest Management Board, the Extension staff of the Forestry Service, the Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum National Park and local NGOs.

During the training participants identified non-timber forest products from the KPH area that will be selected as the focus for business activities. As part of the training, participants visited the tengkawang (light red meranti) processing industry and the rubber collection depot. During the visit, participants also conducted interviews with farmers, collectors and traders at each stage of the tengkawang and rubber processing chain. Both are  West Kalimantan commodities and have competitive economic value.

After the training, a coaching session will be provided for participants during the preparation of the business plan, additionally, advanced training will be arranged.

For further information, please contact:
Jumtani, Province Coordinator West Kalimantan
Edy Marbyanto, Strategic Area Manager, Human Capacity Development