PAPUA, UK GOVTS COOPERATING IN FOREST PROTECTION

Sentani, Papua, Nov 26 (ANTARA) - The Papua provincial administration and the United Kingdom government are now more seriously cooperating in forest protection to improve the local people's welfare, British ambassador to Indonesia Martin Hatfull said here Thursday.

The serioussness was proven by his three-day visit to Indonesia's easternmost province for dialogue with native people who had customary rights on forests in Nimbotong, Unurumguya sub district, Jayapura district, Papua.

"In the dialogue, it became apparent that forest management in Papua does not involve indigenous people so that the results are not felt by them. Our cooperation is expected to bring welfare to the people in the future," Hatful said.

He added the purpose of his visit to Nimbotong was also to directly observe the conditions of protected forests in Papua especially those in Jayapura district.

The envoy said he personally held the dialogue with the natives and directly observed the condition of protected forests in the province and therefore the cooperation between the Papua provincial administration and the UK government in forest management was expected to be continuously conducted.

It was hoped the program which had been pioneered a long time ago would run successfully and the people, especially those in villages, who are the owners of customary rights, would enjoy the result of the cooperation.

Meanwhile, deputy head of Jayapura district Zadrak Wamebu, SH.MM, said he very much welcomed the cooperation with the British government on e protected forest management to improve people's welfare.

"The British government will do a free trial on protected forest management in Jayapura district. We very much welcome it because it will give added value to the local people's economy as they (the people) have yet to take benefit from their forests, he said.

According to him, the Jayapura district administration had signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on forest management but it has not come to realization.
He expressed hope that forest management could be sustainably conducted in a joint venture basis with other parties including the British government in order to improve the economy of the local people as the owners of customary rights.