Encourages the Development of Conservation Farmer Groups. The Friends of Rhino Foundation, which has signed an MoU with the Ujung Kulon National Park Authority, conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on “Enhancing Group Productivity” on November 9, 2021, in Cimanggu District, Pandeglang Regency.
The FGD participants included the Conservation Farmer Groups (KTK) from the villages of Cibadak, Rancapinang, and Padali.
These groups have been producing home industry products such as Bandrek (a traditional herbal drink), Ant Sugar (Gula Semut), and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), but they face challenges in terms of equipment, packaging, and product marketing.
“The FGD activity was held at the Cibadak Resort Office, funded by PT Indonesia Power PLTU Banten 2 Labuan OMU,” said Ofat Sofwatuddin from the Friends of Rhino Foundation.
Ofat mentioned that the suggestions raised during the discussion have been recorded and will be realized by PT Indonesia Power PLTU Banten 2 Labuan OMU by the end of November 2021.
“This is part of the support from the state-owned enterprise (BUMN) to enhance the economic activities of the communities in the buffer zone of the Ujung Kulon National Park,” he explained.
According to Ofat, Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) is a conservation area for the life and development of wildlife and other biodiversity. It is located along the border of 19 villages in the Sumur and Cimanggu sub-districts, Pandeglang Regency, Banten.
The rich biodiversity in this area, which holds significant value and benefits, is a shared responsibility to preserve.
“Such efforts would not be effective without being accompanied by community development programs,” he added.
For your information, the Friends of Rhino Foundation and TNUK have signed MoUs with the following numbers: MoU.03/T.12/TU/K3/03/2020 and MoU.05/Y.FOR/Sek-I/03/2020, focusing on the conservation of Javan rhinos and community empowerment in the Ujung Kulon National Park.