Media Contacts
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Retno Sari
Content and Publication Specialist YKAN
Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara
Email: retno.dianingsari@ykan.or.id
Bulungan Regency is continuously working towards implementing sustainable palm oil plantations. Following the establishment of its Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil (RAD KSB), the local government of Bulungan has now initiated training for assessing High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs).
"This moment marks our initial step in integrating sustainable agricultural development, where economic, social, cultural, and environmental elements harmoniously align," said Kristiyanto, Head of the Agriculture Department of Bulungan Regency, during the opening of the Capacity Building on High Conservation Value and High Carbon Stock, Concepts, Identification, Management, and Monitoring event in Bulungan, North Kalimantan, on Monday, October 14, 2024.
The training is attended by plantation stakeholders, including representatives from local government, companies, and non-governmental organizations, with a total of 28 participants. The training, which lasts six days until Saturday, October 19, 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Regional Planning and Research Development Agency, the Environmental Service, the Agriculture Department of Bulungan Regency, and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN).
The local government supports this initiative, as investing in human resources is considered a long-term effort to preserve nature. "We hope that the natural environment in Bulungan can be enjoyed by future generations, up to seven generations ahead. Conservation is the key to leaving a lasting legacy," Kristiyanto added.
In Bulungan Regency, YKAN is involved in various conservation and community empowerment activities, one of which is implementing the RAD KSB. Under Component C of the Action Plan, focused on Environmental Management and Monitoring, particularly Program 14, there is a specific focus on enhancing biodiversity and landscape sustainability in plantations.
Activities 14.1 to 14.3 clearly outline the identification, management, and monitoring of HCVAs. "This six-day training is comprehensive because the goal is for participants to become certified primary assessors for HCVAs, who will then evaluate all reports related to the identification, management, and monitoring of HCVAs in Bulungan Regency," said Yohanes Ryan, Manager of Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations, during the same event.
Over six days, participants will receive materials ranging from HCVAs, high carbon stock area assessments, field studies, and evaluations. Yohanes explained that the need for HCVA assessors in Bulungan is growing. Therefore, participants must understand the concept of HCVAs and develop the capacity and qualifications to assess whether the documentation provided by palm oil companies regarding HCVA management is appropriate.
The adequacy of HCVA documentation from palm oil companies can provide valuable input for the government in drafting the Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW). Another goal is for participants to evaluate the allocation of Other Land Use Areas (APL).
According to Kristiyanto, this follow-up aligns with Bulungan's government plans. The local government is currently preparing a Strategic Environmental Assessment, which will be integrated with the RTRW. "This effort is a testament to our commitment that sustainable development can be achieved when the environment is well-preserved," he stated.
Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) is a scientific-based non-profit organization that has been present in Indonesia since 2014. With the mission of protecting lands and waters as life support systems, we provide innovative solutions to realize the harmony of nature and humans through effective natural resource management, prioritizing a non-confrontational approach, and building a network of partnerships with all stakeholders for a sustainable Indonesia. For more information, visit ykan.or.id.