Aug 8, 2014
In line with the Indonesia Tropical Forest Regeneration Experimental Project supported by Mitsubishi Corporation, OISCA Sukabumi Training Center organized an eco-seminar on the 16th of June.
Held at Kadudampit, Sukabumi, the event was graced by the Representatives of the Office of the Forestry and Plantations, Kadudampit Subdistrict Office, Office of the Environment, Kadudampit Police Sector and Children`s Forest Program Goodwill Ambassadors. The one day event was attended by a total of 160 project stakeholders including the members of the farmers group, school teachers and principals as well as the local officials and staff of the communities adjacent to the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park.
“Without trees in the upper region, the lower region will suffer from water shortage”, was the statement of Mr. Anwar Haeruman, the Chief of the Conservation Section, Sukabumi Regency Office of Forestry and Plantation during the lecture. Mr. Anwar emphasized that tree planting is the best way to stabilize water supply and that people in the lower region must cooperate with those living in the middle and upper region to conserve water resources.
Meanwhile, Mr. Avi Sutardi, the Chief of the Economic Section in the Sukabumi Regency Office of Community Empowerment discussed about the need to strengthen the economy of the community through various empowerment programs that are environmentally sound and are oriented to protect the nature. He mentioned that his office helps both in financing community ventures and find market for it given that these ventures support the natural environment and not meant to destroy it.
Since 2005, through OISCA`s collaboration with the community people, supporting companies, and Mount Gede Pangrango National Park has gradually recovered a total of 295 hectares of dwindled forest through massive reforestation activities throughout Sukabumi Regency. With the support of Mitsubishi Corporation, a total of 50 hectares would be planted by 2016 with local species of trees and environmental related seminars are organized to educate and empower the communities living near the park.