By: Jelfi

Communications Coordinator in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, WWF-Indonesia

Following the success of supporting P2RK (Katingan Rattan Farmer Group) to obtain FSC certification on their rattan, arguably the first to obtain FSC certification from a rattan farmer group in Indonesia, WWF with support from IKEA continues its efforts in securing and increasing the market value of rattan at the farm level by collaborating with partners in Central Kalimantan. One example is collaborating with the Forest Management Unit (FMU) of Katingan Hulu/FMUXVII.

The study was conducted with support from Palangka Raya University, which together with FMU Katingan Hulu and WWF-Indonesia conducted research covering 16 villages within FMU Katingan Hulu's jurisdiction. Based on the results of the study, 17 types of non-timber forest products were identified, the most potential being rattan and bamboo which were found in almost every village surveyed. Seven species of rattan were found, two locally cultivated species and five endemic wild rattan species. Several environmental services were identified such as water resources in Sepan Apoi and Sepan Takabah, ecotourism potential such as waterfalls and Mare Lake.

As mentioned by Dr. Renhart Jemi, (Lecturer of the Faculty of Forestry at Palangka Raya University), that the FMU is a regulator, motivator and facilitator for the welfare of local communities living within the FMU area. Non-timber forest products particularly rattan, have emotional ties to local cultures especially the Dayak people who use rattan in cultural ceremonies, furniture and even as a delicacy.

Sudirman, head of the community empowerment and natural resource protection section of FMU Katingan Hulu stated that, WWF-Indonesia has supported FMU Katingan Hulu to conduct research. Hopefully in the future, WWF-Indonesia can also support rattan certification and connect farmers with relevant buyers.

The identification study of non-timber forest products and environmental services is an important part that can be used as a reference that is followed to work on the business plan and ecotourism development strategy of FMU Katingan Hulu that will be implemented thereafter.