2008 Qtr 4

FNPF NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2008

Highlights for October – Dezember 2008:

  • New staff member just joined to strengthen Borneo Team
  • Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea parvula) have been released
  • FNPF actively  participating in National Tree Planting Day both in Nusa Penida and Borneo
  • Pesalat reforestation site have become self young forest
  • FNPF involved in Orangutan rescue action

Staff Profile
Alliah is a new staff  member who just joined our Borneo team  in the last three months. She was born in Palikodan a small village around La Mandau area in 1986. Came from a Javanese farmer family who live in a rural area  Borneo she is very keen to help and improve the community that have same condition as where she was grown up. After she finished her high school she went to Java to take education for Public Relations at University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Central Java.  Helping people by working closely with them  is a part of her dream to contribute to the people and to the environment around the rural area.

Because of her good record at the University Alliah got a change to experience a youth volunteer exchange program between Indonesia and United Kingdom 2006/2007 during her school time. She became FNPF volunteer for a couple months before she decided to join FNPF. This is very much a kind of unofficial FNPF recruitment  tradition on most management level.

FNPF Activities on Nusa Penida (Bali)

Bird Protection and Release on Nusa Penida
In the last quarter of 2008 the FNPF has been active in supporting the Begawan Giri Foundation with their activities concerning the captive breeding and release of the Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi). Over this period the number of chicks born in the wild was an estimated six, one chick was hatched at Banjar Bodong, near the Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary office site, one at the temple complex of Pura Dalem Dukut on the north side of the island, two more at Banjar Bodong two months later, and an unverified number of chicks was born just east of the office, also on the north coast. The birds released at Batumadeg (southwest), Puncak Temu and Puncak Mundi (both in the heart of Nusa Penida) did not hatch any young. This brings the number of chicks hatch on the island of Nusa Penida in 2008 to a total of 49 Vögel (of the original 55 young Bali Starlings six died).

Auf 11 April this year, der Regent von Klungkung, under whose geographical jurisdiction Nusa Penida lies, I Wayan Candra, released three Mitchell’s Lorikeets (Trichoglosus haematodus mitchellii), two of which have now become adapted to the wild and are surviving well in the company of two Red Lories (Eos borneo). The latter birds are suspected escapees or birds that have been released on purpose by the local population. It is hoped that soon more Mitchell’s lorikeets will be ready for release and that they will also breed in the wild.

Much awaited, yetas it turns outunfortunately also tragic events, unfolded for the Lesser Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea parvula). The bird that had been at FNPF’s premises for nearly 15 Monate, was relocated to its release sight near the village of Sekartaji (Banjar Sedihing, in the remote southeastern corner of the island). This is the spot on Nusa Penida where the remaining three wild birds live, and the release was much anticipated as the contact between the wild birds and the captive bird had been good. The actual release site had been chosen carefully, it was to be the temple Pura Gunung Sari. The date 15 December was chosen just as carefully and coincided with the Buda Cemeng celebrations in the temple. This way, the population at large was able to take notice of its release. This was particularly important given the significance of conservation efforts and the promises the islanders had made towards the protection of nature, promises sanctioned by their religious customary law Awig-awig.

For the first three days, the captive bird that had regained its freedom was doing fine. At first a little clumsy and still fearsome of flying larger distances, it gradually became accustomed to its new habitat which it had been observing for the previous three months from inside the cage. It was seen eating flowers, fruit and even snails but refused to flock together with the wild cockatoos. Then, on day four of its new-found liberty, in the afternoon it disappeared. There is no trace of it till the moment of writing. The cause of its disappearance is an utter mystery to the FNPF, the local population and the authorities and all parties involved have been asked to give information as to its whereabouts. Given the close co-operation with the population, it is expected that news about the bird’s fate will reach the FNPF soon. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

Supporting activities
FNPF Volunteers and teachers at schools like State High School SMP1 are continuously contributing to teach the students about the care for the environment. It is hoped that in the future there will be students interested in continuing this tradition, supported by field work and workshops organised by the FNPF.

Apart from conservation education around the island, much effort is being put into the two aspects of land rehabilitation, dh. reforestation and agroforestry. As for reforestation, particularly dry or otherwise critical plots of government-owned land are targeted. These areas are planted with seedlings, plants and trees of low economic value with the purpose of benefiting the environment. This is to minimise the risk of cutting down trees and forest looting.

As far as agroforestry is concerned, people and the environment both benefit since the plants donated to the population has a direct impact on their local economy and is beneficial to the environment at the same time.  In the last three months of 2008 a total of 20.360 plants were distributed amongst the islanders, amongst which production wood and forest trees. In 2008, a total of 31.248 plants have been distributed on Nusa Penida, consisting of some 27 plant species, apart from the various types of bamboo which FNPF considers part of the population empowerment programme in Nusa Penida.

On National Tree Planting Day, 28 November, the FNPF planted 7.860 trees on land marked asvery criticalaround Julingan, part of the village of Tanglad, in the southeastern corner of Nusa Penida. The area measures around 20 auf 30 are, and is divided into three parts.

The first part has been planted with Muntingea carabula. The vegetation planted on this plot of land bears the nameNeo Habitat Jalak Baliand is designed especially for the release of the Bali Starling. It is proudly sponsored by PT Pertamina who also gave it a motto: ‘Wherever there’s green, birds will sing“. Auch, five so-calledcubanghave been built, water reservoirs that will store enough water to see the area through the rainy season.

Three of ten are of the second group have been planted by PT Warisan with trees that have little economic value but contribute greatly in the fight against global warming. These trees also provide the necessary shelter and habitat for the released Bali Starling. In this area too, three water reservoirs have been built to compensate for the next dry season.

In the third group two kinds of vegetation have been planted. First of all there is the Sirisa (Albezia lebbeck) and Black-wood cassia (Senna siamea), both species have proven their hardiness and are able to survive harsh conditions in thesecriticalareas. Apart from these trees, lots of bamboo has been planted as well. The seedlings and bamboo was planted here by FNPF assisted by high school students from Nusa Penida and on 29 November by students from the Bali International School. A total of 8.569 young bamboo plants representing nine subspecies have been distributed amongst the population of Nusa Penida. The conditions are ideal since this is the rainy season and the bamboo plants have a good chance of survival. The distribution of bamboo was kindly sponsored by PT Karya Tangan Indah.

As part of the programmeSeeds for Bali’ (agro-forestry programme), on Puncak Temu in the heart of the island around seven are of land were planted in 2007. Another three are have been planted for this rainy season in the surroundings of Adegan Ped on the north coast. Rund 400 seedlings will be planted on each are. Here, too, water reservoirs were built, thanks to the kind sponsorship of Bank Danamon and Amex.

Other supporting activities include traditional Balinese dancing classes, and training in the art of dyeing fabrics with natural colours, an art form and craft with its roots in Nusa Penida. Cokorda Agung Kusumayuda, a specialist in this field, has agreed to include FNPF trainees in his workshop on natural dyes in mainland Bali.

The Bali International School (BIS) has paid a visit to the island on 29 November and has helped plant trees in Tanglad, southeast Nusa Penida. BIS wants to contribute towards a better climate and less pollution by means of their BIS Carbon Offset Projects by planting around 200 seedling trees in an government-owed area marked ascritical’.

Kusmayanto Kadiman, the Indonesian minister for Research and Technology, accompanied by Klungkung Regent I Wayan Chandra and Nusa Penida sub-district head Wayan Sumarta, auf 6 Dezember, have visited the Renewable Energy Park project in Nusa Penida, an project to generate solar and wind energy on the island. The officials also visited the Begawan Giri breeding facilities at Ped. The FNPF feels grateful the minister and his entourage have shown an interest in the conservation activities in Nusa Penida and hope that their attention and moral support leads to active participation in FNPF’s conservation programme.

FNPF Activity in Tanjung Puting National Park (Central Borneo)

HABITAT RESTORATION & FOREST PROTECTION

Planting Season 2008
Each year in the month of December, FNPF shows its commitment to reforestations by planting trees. This is done in the form of a yearly gathering, ein ‘ritualthat the FNPF has been organising for the last five years. Planting new trees may be a praiseworthy goal, but the ultimate objective is to monitor how much this newly planted forest will grow in the near future. The success rate of the new forest will be expressed in terms of FNPF’s responsibility towards creating areas with trees that have a lasting effect on this particular region.

Beguruh has been the FNPF’s target for the last two to three years. An area of 20 ha (of a total of 120) with a near-exculsive imperata grass (Imperata sp), has been planted with trees such as, Ulin / Iron wood (Eusideroxylon swagerii), Eugenia sp. , Alstonia sp. , Palaqium sp and others in cooperation with amongst others the local population, Freiwillige, and students.

This is Takuya Harasaki, one of the FNPF’s loyal friends who has raised funds amongst his friends back home and has contributed towards FNPF’s reforestation efforts in 2008.

Not only has he managed to make a substantial contribution in terms of fundraising, but has worked hard at planting trees in an area of around two hectares. His work is greatly appreciated.

Kay Howe is another of FNPF’s friends, who, together with members of the Forum Muda Konservasi – Kotawaringin Barat, haswrestledwith the soil, and contributed towards the planting ceremony this year.

New forest at Pesalat
After five years of work in Pesalat, the FNPF is proud to announce that the original  Imperata grass has been turned into a truetoddlerforest. The grass has gradually disappeared as an effect of the fast-growing pioneer trees and other exotic plant species that have been planted here. The impact of four to five years reforestation efforts make the team at Pesalat feel their hard work indeed bears fruit

FOREST COMMUNITY

Organic farming at Jerumbun
Pak Suryan and his family are now permanently living in the area of Jerumbun, Ainun and Tuyan. They have started their farming activities with a number of other farmers. They produce organically grown vegetables and keep chickens as part of their daily activities on a plot of land that was labeledcriticalat Jerumbun. The dire state of the land was caused by logging activities and subsequent oil palm plantations. Once the flow of vegetables from Java has stopped because of the high waves at sea, these farmers will find a good and profitable market here for their home-grown peppers and other vegetables.

One day a few workers at the oil palm plantation reported that an orangutan destroyed a number of palm seedlings. Through the ongoing Wana Tani campaign at Jerumbun the farmers around the oil palm plantations are incited to report on the presence of orangutans. After receiving reports on the presence of orangutans, compiled together with a number of competent parties such as BKSDA (Natural Resource Conservation Unit), Yayorin, the palm oil staff etc,  the orangutans are moved into forested areas better suited to their needs.

This is how her friends here call her. Kay is an enthusiastic volunteer from Hawaii who has been participating in FNPF’s programmes for some time now at Tanjung Puting. She has made a number of meaningful contributions for the FNPF, such as writing of an article on FNPF’s activities in the Lonely Planet, fundraising and much more. In 2008, Kay has initiated a development programme to create alternative income for members of the local community at Sekonyer. She has been looking at the potential income to be generated from the honeybee population at Lake Sentarum National Park and has approached expert Arbain for comparative studies and follow-up. With the support from Yayasan Riak Bumi ( Riak Bumi Foundation) and the authorities at Tanjung Puting, the programme has entered its initial phase with a survey to establish the presence of the bees by putting up two “Tikungs” (traditional bee hive) inside the Tanjung Puting National Park. Apart from this, she has donated a number of sewing machines to women in the village of Sei Sekonyer as a way of creating extra income for their families.

Youth Conservation Forum FMK – Kotawaringin Barat
Amongst its achievements in 2008, the FMK has set up of new cadres and management structures at Beguruh. It also participated in the yearlyceremonialplanting of trees as organised by the FNPF. On this occasion, more than 70 participants have each committed themselves to becoming a part of the green generation on this planet.

After the new management team was ready for action, during the holiday season in December, the FMK has organised a camping expedition and cleaned up the beaches of Tanjung Penghujan. These activities were approved of and supported by the Provincial Department of Culture & Tourism at Kotawaringin Barat and the people of the village of Teluk Bogam.

Good Citizen
As a continuous commitment towards the local population, the FNPF has distributed almost 1000 tree seedlings to the Indonesian Youth Committee (KNPI) – Kotawaringin Barat. Together with the local government, they have planted trees as part of the celebrations for new committee member inaguration, which took place at the Halaman Istana Kuning / Yellow Palace which use to be the PalaCe of Kota Waringin Kingdom

FNPF wishes to express its gratitude to the following loyal supporters:

Humane Society International – Australia
Kay Howe
Takuya Harasaki
Eco Future Fund – Japan
Carlos Ibero & Carmen Cabalero
W-Gallery & W-Travel
Klungkung Regency
Traditoinal Villages of Nusa Penida
Forum Muda Konservasi (FMK) – Kotawaringin Barat
Department of Culture & Tourism – Kotawaringin Barat
Community of Teluk Bogam Village
ALL FNPF VOLUNTEERS


Kommentare sind geschlossen.