Posted on July, 26 2018

Adapted from: Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Republic of Indonesia

25^th July 2018 is a very historic day for Kapuas Hulu District Community, where in the 30^th session of UNESCO's International Coordinating Council (ICC) Man and Biosphere (MAB) in Palembang, Betung Kerihun National Park, Danau Sentarum National Park and Kapuas Hulu District were confirmed to be Biosphere Reserve newly named Biosphere Reserve of Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu.

The Head of Kapuas Hulu District, Mr. A.M Nasir read the statement as the recipient of the biosphere reserve certificate from Man and Biosphere UNESCO. The Head of Kapuas Hulu District asserted, "This is a testament to the commitment of Kapuas Hulu Regency to preserve nature so as to gain international support and recognition. May the future with new status provide benefits for improving the welfare and quality of life of Kapuas Hulu community ".

"On behalf of the Kapuas Hulu District Government, I am very supportive and proud that Kapuas Hulu District has been crowned as one of biosphere reserves namely Biosphere of Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu".

The establishment of Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu as Biosphere Reserve was also done along with 23 other Biosphere Reserves from 19 Countries. Prof. Dr. Ir. Y Purwanto., DEA as Director of MAB-Indonesia welcomes the inauguration, "This is a good step for Kapuas Hulu District and Betung Kerihun National Park and Danau Sentarum National Park, expected with new status to make ’New Branding‘ to improve people's welfare, quality better living and environmental conditions also support the status of Kapuas Hulu as Conservation District".

As it’s known, Kapuas Hulu District – located in Indonesia's West Kalimantan Province, has been designated as Conservation District in 2003 where it has approximately 65% ​​of the area is forest both conservation forest, protected and production forest. Hundreds of thousands of residents in Kapuas Hulu are very dependent on forest sustainability, such as the use of non-timber forest products such as gaharu, honey, and animal potential such as awana fish, to the potential of water and tourism. The alignment of life between Kapuas Hulu people and Betung Kerihun National Park as well as Danau Sentarum as the Core Zone of Biosphere Reserves, Protection Forest and Production Forest as Buffer Zone, and Other Use Areas as Transitional Zone is very harmonious, where people can utilize and manage the conservation forest according to conservation rules so that it is sustainable. This harmony should be appreciated by various circles both nationally and internationally and in the future Kapuas Hulu District can be an example for other districts to integrate this development.

The status of biosphere reserves confirms international recognition and encouragement for us to continue to preserve and keep Bumi Uncak Kapuas from human-induced damage.

Added by the Head of Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum National Parks, Ir. Arief Mahmud M.Si who accompanied the Head of Kapus Hulu District, "We hope that the status will preserve Betung Kerihun National Park and Danau Sentarum National Park, and ensure the harmonious relationship of Kapuas Hulu community in utilizing the National Park according to the existing zoning system. This harmony can have a good impact on the welfare of the people around the Park. "

The Head of Kapuas Hulu District also thanked the greatest to all parties who continue to work together in making conservation efforts and provide the best contribution for Kapuas Hulu District at the edge of the country.

More information: 
Head of Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum National Parks
Ir. Arief Mahmud, M.Si
Phone:  +6281318044675