Stakeholders from various background got together during the dialogue. Photo credit: Sopian Hidayat.

Luky Adrianto, Dean of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science of IPB Bogor, giving an opening speech during the workshop. Photo credit: Imanda Pradana.

CSF-Indonesia has officially begun working to develop a shared vision and roadmap for Green Sintang Regency (Kabupaten Sintang Lestari) in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Green Sintang refers to the transition to sustainable, low carbon development principles, and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems. With the programs brought by CSF Indonesia and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the Circle of Green Regency group partners (Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari, LTKL), the government of Sintang will have the opportunity to achieve Green Regency despite the establishment of new large scale plantations within the area. The Sintang government recognizes the need to engage stakeholders in land use planning to ensure sustainability and more equitable distribution of benefits from development. CSF held a kick-off meeting on April 9th and 10th and involved CSOs and Local Government Agencies (Organisasi Perangkat Daerah - OPD).

Some of the enthusiastic participants in the workshopIn Indonesia, human and development activities have a significant impact on marine ecosystems and the health of fisheries - one of the most important industries in the country. Economic solutions to these issues are often overlooked, though can be among the most effective. To address this, CSF-Indonesia is seeking to empower policy makers in the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) with specific economic tools and knowledge to support them in formulating policies to conserve and sustainably manage marine resources.

Participants working on a group exercise at a previous CSF training in Indonesia. Photo credit: Niki Gribi

Photo credits: UMRAHIn early 2017, six researchers were awarded a grant as part of CSF’s Indonesia Marine Fellows Program (MFP). The six fellows were selected based on their research topics, which seek to answer pertinent questions about fisheries management challenges in Indonesia. The fellows were also paired with mentors who are experts in their respective fields.

Participants during an interactive game. Photo: Bappeda Kalimantan Tengah

Photo: Desta PratamaWith the support of The Asia Foundation, CSF led the facilitation of a scenario planning process for sustainable development in North Aceh. The scenario planning workshops were attended by 60 people representing the legislative branch, CSOs, government agencies, religious and cultural groups, and women’s groups. Twelve facilitators (six each from CSOs and government agencies) helped the process after a training from CSF.

MFP Finalists at the January Workshop in Bogor. Photo credit: Adil Firdaus We are pleased to announce the 2017 Indonesia Marine Fellows! Congratulations to the six selected candidates: Reny Puspasari Climate Variability Impact To Sardine Fisheries In Bali Strait and Its Economic Consequences Widhya Nugroho SatrioadjieInvestment in obtaining information of unreported catch and FADs: preparation/compliance on traceability fisheries system Akhmad Solihin

Photo credit: Jason LaiThe Marine Fellowship Program (MFP), a collaboration between Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF) and the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Bogor Agricultural University (FPIK-IPB), will support six talented analysts in the field of fisheries and marine economics. The selected fellows will start their research in February 2017.