PT Rimba Raya Conservation Archives

Rimba Raya’s Sustainable Peatland Farmer Field School

In November 2020, Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve (Rimba Raya) conducted training sessions aimed at strengthening the capacity of Farmer Groups (KT). The goal was to help them to improve their skills in cultivation and agriculture through our Peatland Farmer Field School (Peatland-FFS). The sessions were attended by 2 Farmer Groups; Harapan Jaya from Jahitan Village, and Hijau Bakung Permai from Baung Village.

HARAPAN JAYA Farmer Group and the preparation of an area of 0.5 ha, Jahitan Village

HIJAU BAKUNG PERMAI Farmer Group and land preparation covering an area of 17 x 50 meters, Baung village

This activity is a continuation of a Peatland-FFS training program held in September 2020 conducted by Rimba Raya in collaboration with the National Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG). The farmer group from Rimba Raya working area participated at that time. Aside from focusing on improving farming skills, participants were trained in preparing their land for agricultural development without the use of traditional ‘slash and burn’ methods.

During our most recent training sessions, Rimba Raya encouraged farmers to build on their traditional ecological knowledge with a focus on non-destructive land use and the development of areas according to soil suitability. The efficient production of nutritious food while ensuring forest preservation, was strongly encouraged.

The farmers were taught how to make organic fertilizers and pesticides using organic waste from their immediate environment. “Crop and forest burning actually eliminates beneficial microorganisms and nutrients, as it releases unwanted carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,” said Sylviana Andhella, Executive Director of Rimba Raya.

“Land preparation without burning and the use of organic fertilizers for agricultural practices will reduce carbon emissions and support the balance of microorganisms. This is in alignment with our project objective to reduce carbon emissions,” Andhella explained.

Additionally, the farmers were empowered to manage their own farmers organization. This included the election of; a chairman, secretary and treasurer by the group members. These positions were then ratified by the local village government.

During the training sessions, farmer groups were asked to develop relationships to encourage cooperation and net-working between other groups around the project area. This allows them to share information, experiences and valuable lessons learned which are beneficial to all farmers.

“I am thankful that Rimba Raya included our farmer group in this initiative. We have learned how to make organic fertilizer and our understanding of horticultural farming techniques has grown. We are eager to develop our farms using these strategies with the hope that we will be more successful so that we can set an example to other community farmers,” said Ardiansyah Ardian, head of Hijau Bakung Permai farmer group of Baung Village.

About Rimba Raya
The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve is the largest REDD+ project in the world, protecting nearly 65,000 hectares of peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo and avoiding more than 130 million tons of carbon emissions. Rimba Raya is a living example of an economically viable alternative to deforestation.

Rimba Raya develops livelihood programs in surrounding villages (addressing all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals) to provide education, employment and hope for the future. Rimba Raya is also the world’s largest privately-funded orangutan sanctuary, and an InfiniteEARTH Project. Visit https://rimba-raya.com.

Contact:
Nisa Jalil, Vice President for Public & Government Relations
E: nisajalil@rimba-raya.com, PT. Rimba Raya Conservation

Building Environmental Awareness through Religious Leaders Training on Peatland and Conservation

In this modern world, all humankind has been affected by the impact of the global climate crisis. Not only facing the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we also have to deal with floods and forest fires currently occurring in our region.

Scientists have given extensive warning regarding the effects of climate change on our planet, however collective action to hinder the climate crisis is largely considered to be too slow.

At the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Project, we have made concerted efforts to play a leading role in mitigating the damage done to the environment in our region through the introduction of various initiatives, including a spiritual approach to change community behaviour and to engage them by encouraging active involvement and inclusion in all efforts taken to preserve the environment and to minimize damage.

Rimba Raya empowers local community members to play a role in protecting and conserving the peat forest with a long-term philosophy of ‘community for healthy forests and climate’. The project aims to consistently work towards achieving the UN’s SDGs, both within the project area and the bordering villages. In September 2020, Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve became the world’s first forest conservation project to independently verify its contributions to the environment, biodiversity and social SDGs under the newly created Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta), and has managed to target all the 17 SDGs goal.

In collaboration with the National Peatland Agency (BRG), Seruyan District Government, Rimba Raya conducted “Dai Gambut” Training on the 6-7 October 2020. The training was aimed at promoting capacity building efforts, help increase knowledge regarding peatland restoration and to raise awareness in the importance of being environmentally friendly in our daily activities.

The training was conducted combination between online and offline in Kuala Pembuang. There were 28 (twenty-eight) participants from 14 villages. The speakers; Kyai Cholil Nafis and Kyai Sholahuddin Al Aiyub (Wasekjen Field MUI Fatwa) used zoom to convey “environmental fiqh” (Muslim jurisprudence). The in-person meetings were presented by Dr. Fachruddin Mangunjaya or well known as Ustad Rudi. Topics included; Fusing Faith, Education and Environmentalism.

“Taking care of the environment is about making action and behavioural changes that are controlled by the human heart and mind. A religious approach can contribute to highlighting the importance of caring for our environment,” said Ustad Rudi during a training session.

After training, the Da’i will share their knowledge through religious preaching about the importance of having healthy peatland, healthy forests and the need to practice conservation and land clearing without the traditional ‘slash and burn’ technique.

“This collaboration with BRG is very beneficial for the Rimba Raya project. The hope is to encourage a change in behaviour and increase public awareness to the importance of preserving the peatland ecosystem,” said Sylviana Andhella, Executive Director of Rimba Raya Conservation.

Rimba Raya has established a partnership agreement with the National Peatland Agency (BRG) from June to December 2020 under the Deputy of Education, Socialization, Participation and Partnership. This includes 5 activities namely; peatland restoration socialization, Da’i training and/or Peat Care Pastor, Sustainable Farmer Field School, peatland restoration literature (for students); understanding value added commodities (Non-Timber products) in the 14 villages that are within the RRC working areas.

The project area acts as a vital buffer zone for TN Tanjung Puting National Park and focuses on Ecosystem Restoration. It aims to restore and preserve the tropical peat swamp forest which is essential habitat for orangutans and is managed under the principles of ecology and economic & social management. Initiatives implemented positively impact 14 villages in two sub-districts (Seruyan Hilir and Danau Sembuluh), in the Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan.

Rimba Raya initiatives are developed by InfiniteEARTH with a focus on assisting local communities to improve their economic status and embrace the positive impacts of being a REDD+ project.

Contacts:
Frita Junita
Communication Officer Rimba Raya Conservation
Email: rimbarayajakarta@gmail.com
Hp: +62 857-1743-7001

Rimba Raya launches Seruyan River Cleanup Movement 2020

In celebration of World River Day on September 27, Rimba Raya Conservation (Rimba Raya) has partnered with the Seruyan Regency Environmental Agency to launch the Seruyan River Cleanup Movement 2020 #satusampahseribubencana (one waste, one thousand disasters).

Rimba Raya Technical Director Moch. As’ari addressing the opening ceremony at Seruyan River Cleanup Movement 2020

Head of Environmental Agency Priyo Widagdo hitting the gong to mark the opening of Seruyan River Cleanup Movement 2020

The movement was launched with an opening ceremony in the pendopo (official house) of the Seruyan Regent, with the theme “Waste-Free River, Healthy Community, Beautiful Village”.

“We believe that this movement will make the people of Seruyan feel more responsible toward their own environment and appreciate the local and the planet’s health,” said Moch. As’ari, Technical Director of Rimba Raya.

“Our target is to collect 8 tons of waste from 11 villages and two sub-districts all along the Seruyan River,” said Sylviana Andhella, Executive Director of Rimba Raya.

During the Seruyan River Cleanup Movement, Rimba Raya will hold several activities. This will include writing and drawing competitions for primary to senior high school students to inspire and encourage the younger generation to be more aware of their environment and the need to protect it.

Rimba Raya will collaborate with Balai TN Tanjung Putting National Park and Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) in these activities, which will be conducted until the final event, on the 17th of September.

At the opening ceremony, the Head of the Seruyan Regency Environmental Agency said, “With this series of activities, we hope to create awareness, and an ongoing motivation to care for the environment and keep the rivers clean. With our continued efforts, we hope that the Seruyan river will become a destination for tourists which will certainly have a positive impact on the economic growth of this region.”

Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve is a project that focuses on Ecosystem Restoration. It aims to restore and preserve the tropical peat swamp forest which is essential habitat for orangutans and is managed under the principles of ecology, economic and social management.

Rimba Raya acts as a vital buffer zone for TN Tanjung Putting National Park. The project implements initiatives that positively impact 14 villages across two sub-districts (Seruyan Hilir and Danau Sembuluh) in the Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan.

Rimba Raya initiatives are developed by InfiniteEARTH with a focus on assisting local communities to improve their economic status and embrace the positive impacts of being a REDD+ project.

“We need to engage and empower local people to actively contribute to preserving the peat swamp forest. If we work together, we can protect mother earth and keep her from harm,” said Djonni Andhella, President Director of Rimba Raya.

Rimba Raya empowers local community members to play a role in protecting and conserving the peat forest with a long-term philosophy, “Local Community. Forest. Climate”. The project aims to work towards consistently achieving the UN’s SDGs, both within the project area and the bordering villages.

In addition to the Seruyan River Cleanup movement, Rimba Raya, in cooperation with the Seruyan Regency Public Health Office, has launched the Floating Clinic Initiative aiming to provide health services to communities along the Seruyan River. These services include general public health, prenatal care, pediatric care for children, as well as improved nutritional advice and supplies.

To build awareness, we have also introduced a ‘Peatland Education Program’ for primary school students, conducted in cooperation with the Peatland Restoration Agency.

All the proposed activities are conducted in accordance with COVID-19 health protocols which include social distancing, the wearing of protective masks and no mass crowding.

Contact:
Frita Junita
Communication Officer, Rimba Raya Conservation
Email: rimbarayajakarta@gmail.com