Papuaaround.com – WWF Indonesia, in collaboration with the indigenous community of Kampung Sereh and the Jayapura Environmental Office, took a significant step towards preserving Papua’s local food resources by planting 100 sago trees in the Kampung Sereh customary forest on Monday.
M. Ali Imron, Director of Forest and Wildlife at WWF Indonesia, highlighted the importance of the initiative, emphasizing that it is part of the broader effort to protect local food security in Papua. He also introduced the innovative Reconnect application, developed for the first time in Indonesia to monitor the growth of sago trees from planting to maturity. “The Reconnect application is designed to assist in tracking the planting process of sago trees from zero months until they reach full growth,” said Imron in Sentani on Tuesday.
The Reconnect program is a key part of WWF’s strategy to foster collaboration between government institutions and local communities to restore and rehabilitate ecosystems across the region. “Reconnect represents a holistic approach to ecological restoration, recognizing the complexity of nature and working to restore its structure and function to ensure a resilient environment for future generations,” Imron explained.
He further elaborated that the term “Reconnect” is an acronym for “Restoration for Connectivity,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of various ecological elements in the program. This initiative not only targets vegetation and trees but also plays a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and supporting species reproduction. “Connectivity is essential to preserve biodiversity and enable species to thrive,” Imron stated.
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Abdul Rahman Basri, Head of the Jayapura Environmental Office, expressed strong support for the Reconnect program, particularly its role in restoring the sago ecosystem. “We hope that WWF’s support will not be limited to Kampung Sereh’s sago plantations but will extend to other areas in Jayapura Regency,” said Basri.
This collaboration marks a critical milestone in WWF Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to secure sustainable food sources and protect the rich ecological heritage of Papua. By engaging with local communities and leveraging innovative tools like the Reconnect application, WWF aims to ensure the long-term health and productivity of Papua’s vital ecosystems.
This initiative is also part of broader efforts by the Jayapura Government to enhance environmental stewardship, aligning with their commitment to preserve the region’s natural resources while boosting local livelihoods. The success of this project sets an example for similar conservation and restoration initiatives across Indonesia, ensuring that the rich biodiversity of Papua is preserved for future generations.
