Taken from: Ministry of Environment and Forestry

July 25 was quite a historic day for the people of Kapuas Hulu Regency where at the 30th session of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council (ICC) in Palembang, Betung Kerihun National Park and Danau Sentarum National Park as well as Kapuas Hulu Regency were confirmed as new Biosphere Reserves under the name Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu Biosphere Reserve.

Exactly at 16.30 WIB. Kapuas Hulu Regent A.M Nasir read out a statement as the recipient of a biosphere reserve certificate from UNESCO Man and Biosphere. The Regent emphasized, "This is proof of the commitment of Kapuas Hulu District to preserve nature so that it gets international support and recognition. Hopefully, the new status will benefit the welfare and quality of life of the people of Kapuas Hulu Regency."

"On behalf of the Kapuas Hulu District Government, I am very supportive and proud that Kapuas Hulu District has been named one of the biosphere reserves, namely the Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu Biosphere Reserve."

The establishment of Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu as a Biosphere Reserve coincides with 23 other Biosphere Reserves from 19 countries. Prof. Dr. Ir. Y Purwanto, DEA as Director of MAB-Indonesia welcomed the inauguration, "this is a good step for Kapuas Hulu Regency and Betung Kerihun National Park and Danau Sentarum National Park, it is hoped that the new status will make "New Branding" to improve community welfare, quality of life and better environmental conditions as well as support Kapuas Hulu's status as a Conservation District".

Kapuas Hulu Regency, located in West Kalimantan Province of Indonesia, has been designated as a Conservation Regency in 2003 which has an area of approximately 65% is forests, both conservation, protection and production forests. Hundreds of thousands of people in Kapuas Hulu depend on forest sustainability for their livelihoods, from the utilization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as agarwood and honey, as well as animal potential such as awana fish, to water and tourism potential. The harmony between the people of Kapuas Hulu and the National Park, both Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum as the Core Zone of the Biosphere Reserve, Protected Forest and Production Forest as the Buffer Zone, and Other Use Areas as the Transition Zone is very harmonious, where the community can utilize and manage the conservation forest according to conservation principles so that it is sustainable. This harmony should be appreciated by various groups both nationally and internationally and in the future Kapuas Hulu District can be used as an example for other districts for this integrated development.

The status of the biosphere reserve confirms international recognition and encourages us to continue to preserve and protect the Earth Uncak Kapuas from man-made damage.

Added by the Head of the Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum National Park Center, Ir. Arief Mahmud M.Si, who also accompanied the Kapuas Hulu Regent, "We hope that this status will preserve the two Betung Kerihun National Parks and Danau Sentarum National Park, and ensure harmonious relations between the Kapuas Hulu community in utilizing the National Park according to the existing zoning system. This harmony can have a good impact on the welfare of the people around the National Park."

The Regent also expressed his gratitude to all parties who continue to work together in conservation efforts and provide the best contribution to Kapuas Hulu Regency, the Regency at the end of the country.

Further information:

Head of Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum National Park Center

Ir. Arief Mahmud, M.Si

Tel: +6281318044675