Tropical forest honey production constitutes a significant contributor to the local economy in Kapuas Hulu district. In order to increase the locally added value through efficient processing with consistent quality of this NTFP (Non Timber Forest Product) the installation a honey drying chamber was supported and financed in a joint effort between two separate GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) projects, namely FORCLIME and Electrification through Renewable Energy (ELREN) (“Green Chiller”). This unit has the capacity to reduce moisture content of 200 kg honey from the natural 26% down to the required national standard of 18% within 24 hours.

During the occasion of a project visit from a delegation from German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and GIZ to Kapuas Hulu the honey drying chamber was officially handed over by FORCLIME Programe Director Georg Buchholz to the Honey Production and NTFP usage centre (Sentra Wirausaha Produksi dan Pemanfaatan Komoditas Hasil Hutan Bukan Kayu). For the future institutional development of the Honey Production Centre and product marketing integrated with the Kapuas Hulu Biosphere Reserve will be supported.

For more information, please contact:
Stephan Kitzbichler, Development Advisor on agro-forestry, West Kalimantan
Lutz Hofheinz, Strategic Area Manager for FMU development