KOMPAS.com - Preserving the nature and environment of conservation areas needs to be in line with changes in the behavior of local communities. WWF Indonesia invites people in conservation areas to change their behavior to be more environmentally friendly. The focus is on the development and preservation of natural potential and economic improvement through the Green and Fair Products. program.
Yes, after five years of running this local farmer empowerment program, WWF Indonesia invites the wider community to choose environmentally friendly products through eight natural products. These eight products have actually become part of people's lives in conservation areas. However, the production method has not met the principles of nature conservation. The distribution of local products is also not yet equitable, judging from the benefits received by local farmers.
""Local communities are close to forests and natural resources, and get benefits from nature, and then pass them on to urban communities. Passing on natural products to the city needs to be done with justice. WWF's interest here is to shorten the trade chain. So that the distribution of commodities from natural resources is sought to be more fair and provide benefits to local communities, "said Efransjah, CEO of WWF Indonesia, at the launch of the Green and Fair Products campaign, at Balai Sarwono, Kemang Jakarta, Thursday (29/7/2010). The Green and Fair Products initiative is a part of the WWF Indonesia's Green and Fair Products initiative.
The Green and Fair Products initiative is an effort towards the synergy of ecological and social dimensions, to realize sustainable development for communities living around conservation areas, he added. The eight products produced by farmers and craftspeople from the local area are the products of the local community.
These eight products from local farmers and craftsmen are already well known in their respective regions. WWF Indonesia, as a facilitator, introduced them to the city community as part of the campaign and public education about greener consumption choices (natural ingredients and organically produced by local communities). It is also fair (sold at a market value that provides more benefits to local farmers, by buying it directly from farmers or first distributors).
WF Indonesia's Green and Fair Products public education campaign, presents eight natural products produced by local farmers and craftsmen from conservation areas, namely:

• Robusta coffee ""Kuyungarang"" from Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Lampung
• Forest honey ""Tesso Nilo"" from Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau
• Eucalyptus oil ""Walabi"" from Wasur National Park, Merauke
• Adan rice ""Tana Nam"" from the highlands of Borneo
• Madu forest ""Mount Mutis"", East Nusa Tenggara
• Rhinoceros statue craft from Ujung Kulon National Park
• Aloe Vera tea from Sebangau National Park
• "Manik Banuaka" craft from Betung Kerihun National Park, West Kalimantan

Although the product variants have different characters, these eight products have in common that they are managed with sustainable principles. This means that the production of local farmers or craftsmen also practices nature conservation. Product processing is also organic with sanitary aspects and without the use of chemicals.
If you want to be part of the movement to preserve nature and the environment of conservation areas, buying these eight products can be an option for how to contribute. Another way you can take part is by changing your behavior to be more environmentally friendly in your daily life so that local wisdom is preserved. Unfortunately, these products are not yet available for purchase.
Unfortunately, these products cannot be found in the nearest supermarket in the city. Buying directly from farmers is the best way to go for now, or through WWF Indonesia's various Green and Fair Products campaign activities running throughout 2010.
Source:Kompas.com; Eight local farmers' fair products