GFTN-Indonesia

Forests cannot be separated from Indonesia, with an area of 93.6 million ha (2017). Indonesia's tropical forests are the third largest forests in the world and are home to endemic species and very rich biodiversity. No less than 7.3% of reptiles and amphibians, 17% of birds and 12% of mammals live in Indonesian forests. After Papua, Kalimantan is the island with the second largest forest area in Indonesia (36.5 million ha, BPS 2017 data). The data mentioned the existence of two endangered species, namely the Borneo Elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) and the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harissonii) that live in the forests of Borneo. Preservation of both is very important to maintain the ecosystem cycle, especially for the Sumatran rhino, which has only remained in Sumatra and Kalimantan since the extinction of its population in Malaysia. One of the threats to the habitat of these two key species is the encroachment of land by communities around the concession and the conversion of forests into plantations.

Therefore, it is necessary to protect forests from encroachment through forest area partnership activities with the company. In addition, this partnership also aims to reforest by planting the types of plants needed by the community. This activity was initiated at two company concession locations that have become WWF-Indonesia's partners, with the hope that the community and the company will benefit from each other. The encroachment pressure on the management area is reduced, while the community receives legal management permits for planting on land that is in accordance with their wishes (not ownership rights).

Sustainable forest management ideally has a positive impact on the welfare and economic improvement of the community around the forest. Data from the Central Statistics Agency said that almost 38% of Indonesian people who depend on forests are on the poverty line. Of course the social forestry scheme that was rolled out by the Indonesian government is one of the solutions to address the problem, it is hoped that the people around the forest have good and optimal access. The issuance of regulations on social forestry schemes became the best momentum for the parties, especially civil society, to encourage and assist communities in managing forests to be ecologically and economically sustainable.

WWF-Indonesia took advantage of this momentum by developing the concept of partnership between communities around the production forest area (business permit for managing timber forest products - natural forests / IUPHHK HA), including the Forest Farmers Group (KTH) in Mamahak Teboq Village, Long Hubung District, Mahakam Regency Ulu with PT. Ratah Timber in East Kalimantan and KTH Tabur Lestari Village, Seimenggaris District, Nunukan Regency with PT. Adimitra Lestari in North Kalimantan. This partnership is proof that the private sector does not close itself to the community. The hope is that by managing production forest partnerships, the rate of encroachment and illegal hunting can be reduced.

In line with efforts made to build partnerships between communities and companies, WWF-Indonesia undertook the following main activities: (1) Supporting the restoration of 200 ha of land within the Heart of Borneo / Kalimantan area which covers the East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan regions, this region is an important ecosystem for protected animals and plants. (2) Establishing markets for products produced from planting on reforestation land. (3) Helps companies implement sustainable forest management schemes, taking into account aspects of ecosystem protection, the welfare of local communities and increasing community incomes.

(Source: GFTN Report)

GFTN-Indonesia

The Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) is one of WWF's initiatives in achieving sustainable forest management through the certification process. GFTN-Indonesia was launched in Jakarta on October 16, 2003 with the local name "Nusa Hijau".

GFTN-Indonesia program aims to:

• Promote sustainable forest management efforts to meet the demand for sustainable wood from Indonesia
• Mediate opportunities for cooperation between producers and buyers who are highly committed to achieving and supporting responsible forestry activities in the global market network
• Facilitating more producers and manufactures of certified forest products in Indonesia

The GFTN creates market conditions to help preserve the world's forests while providing social-economic benefits for businesses and forest-dependent people. GFTN also promotes collaboration between non-governmental organisations and companies to improve the quality of forest management.

GFTN has 18 local Forest and Trade Networks (FTN) in more than 30 countries, consisting of more than 300 members, mainly in Europe and North America. Meanwhile GFTN Indonesia has 38 members (27 companies/trade participants and 11 HPH / forest participants).

GFTN membership is open to forest managers, producers and owners/managers of community forests who want to improve and develop the management of their forest areas. Membership is determined through the GFTN requirements and signing a memorandum of understanding with WWF-Indonesia.

(Source: https://www.wwf.or.id/program/inisiatif/gftnindonesia/)