Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most diverse and important tropical forests, which provide critical ecosystem services, including regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting biodiversity. However, these forests are under threat from deforestation and degradation, driven by unsustainable land use practices and other factors. To address these challenges, FACT Indonesia and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) have launched a leadership development training program for the Berau Carbon Forest Program in East Kalimantan.

The Berau Carbon Forest Program is a collaborative effort between the local government, NGOs, and local communities to protect and restore the forest ecosystem while promoting sustainable economic development. The program focuses on reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and degradation, while also supporting community livelihoods through sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, and other activities.

The leadership development training program, which took place from November 22-24, 2021 in Berau, is designed to help program leaders and stakeholders develop the skills and mindset necessary to effectively manage and implement the program. The training program covers a range of topics, including leadership, team building, communication, project management, and sustainable development.

Participants in the training program include government officials, NGO representatives, and members of the local community who are involved in the implementation of the Berau Carbon Forest Program. The program is led by a team of experienced trainers and facilitators who have extensive experience in sustainable development and environmental conservation.

One of the key objectives of the training program is to help participants develop a shared vision and commitment to the goals of the Berau Carbon Forest Program. By bringing together stakeholders from different sectors and backgrounds, the program aims to build a strong and effective coalition that can work together to achieve the program’s objectives.

Another important aspect of the training program is the emphasis on participatory approaches and community involvement. Participants are encouraged to actively engage with local communities and to involve them in the decision-making process, ensuring that the program is responsive to the needs and priorities of the people it is designed to serve.

The training program has already had a positive impact on program leaders and stakeholders, who report that they feel more confident and better equipped to manage and implement the Berau Carbon Forest Program. They also report that they have developed stronger relationships with their colleagues and with local communities, which bodes well for the future success of the program.

In conclusion, the leadership development training program for the Berau Carbon Forest Program in East Kalimantan is an important initiative that will help to build the skills, mindset, and commitment necessary to achieve the program’s objectives. The program is a collaboration between FACT Indonesia, YKAN, and local stakeholders, and it reflects a shared commitment to protecting Indonesia’s forests while promoting sustainable economic development.