Institute for Forest and Environment (INFRONT)

November 2, 2009

 INFRONT (Institute for Forest and Environment) has officially started the first landcare movement in Indonesia. Selo has been selected to be the first learning site to adopt the Landcare principles. Selo sub-district in Boyolali district lies between Merapi and Merbabu National Parks. This movement is one of efforts being made by INFRONT to increase the capability of the community to adapt to climate change through increasing land productivity, maintaining the hydrological systems, and alleviating poverty.

 The programme started in November 2009, and is fully supported by The Finland Embassy (Jakarta) and the Secretariat for International Landcare (SILC) Inc., Australia. Both organizations are comitted to the implementation of the programme for the first three years.

 Uyung Pramudiyanto, the executive director of INFRONT said, ”INFRONT really appreciates all the support which has been given to this programme. Landcare has been successful in many countries and we are proud to be the first to implement this programme in Indonesia. This programme will address the ecology, economy, and social balance in land management in Selo and is expected to figure out the critical land problems in Selo.”

 Selo represents one of the most severe land degradations in Java Island. Intensive agricultural practices and forest conversion speeds up the land degradation. Unproductive and unfertile land, drought, and landslides threaten the community and the habitat of several indigenous species in Selo e.g. Orchid (Vanda tricolor) and Javan Hawk Eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi). Selo is also loosing its function as one of main catchment areas for Central Java. Selo needs to improve the quality of its land and the livelihoods of its community. Selo also needs practical actions to save its land and its community.

 INFRONT realizes that this first small step will face many challenges and obstacles. However, with the support from stakeholders, we believe that this programme will meet the objectives of its development.

 INFRONT promotes the Landcare movement for the present and for future generations.

 For further information contact:

Institute for Forest and Environment (INFRONT)

Jl. Karya Utama No. 125, Dusun Waras RT 01 RW 31 Desa Sariharjo, Ngalik Sleman

Yogyakarta 55581.  Indonesia

tel: +62 274 710 4833

email: Infront_office@yahoo.co.id