Project/activity information

The public-privately initiated biosphere reserve, Giam Siak Kecil Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve (GSK-BR) in the province of Riau of Sumatra, has been recognized as the UNESCO World Monitoring Networks in 2009. This biosphere reserve, which covers an area of approximately 705,000 ha in total, has not been sustainably managed in accordance with existing biosphere concept. The main problems facing reserve management include weaknesses in planning framework of GSK-BR including absence of an integrated strategic management plan, weak capacity of concerned institutions in implementing the biosphere reserve concept and poor participation of local communities in management operations. The proposed project is intended to initiate an effective implementation of sustainable management and conservation of GSK-BR.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to realizing the management objectives and basic functions of GSK-BR; more specifically, it is necessary to perform sustainable management and conservation of the reserve in an effective manner. The expected outputs are: i) planning framework of GSK-BR enhanced, ii) institutional capacity to manage GSK-BR strengthened, and iii) support of stakeholders, especially the local communities, on operational management of GSK-BR promoted. All planned activities including the developed planning framework and integrated management plan will be implemented collaboratively by local institutions and stakeholders, Ministry of Forestry, provincial government of Riau, Sinarmas Forestry and Partners as well as local communities and indigenous people living in an around the biosphere reserve area.