Facilitating the Development of Regional Orangutan Conservation Work Plans as a Strategic Step to Strengthen Synergy and Collaboration at the Grassroots Level

The development of work plans is a crucial component of FORINA’s programs. The outcomes of these activities strongly support FORINA’s mission as a multi-stakeholder forum that aims to facilitate, enhance synergy, and foster collaboration in orangutan conservation. This meeting brings together government representatives, private sector actors, academics, conservationists, and NGOs at the regional level, with the primary goal of updating information on conservation progress while strengthening relationships among forum members.

Each region faces unique challenges and opportunities, reflecting its distinct local conditions. However, several key issues require collective attention and collaboration, including human-orangutan conflict, lack of communication and synergy among stakeholders, habitat fragmentation, and deforestation.

The regional meetings have generated broader positive impacts, particularly by revitalizing local conservation forums. In North Sumatra and West Kalimantan, the 2021 meetings provided a valuable opportunity to elect the next forum leader. This moment further reinforced the commitment of regional forums to enhance their roles and functions at the grassroots level.