Enviro News Asia, Palangka Raya – The Palangka Raya City Government and Yayasan Borneo Nature Indonesia (YBNI) have strengthened their partnership to enhance environmental management and climate change mitigation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a Cooperation Agreement, and the distribution of 6,900 tree seedlings.
Palangka Raya Mayor Fairid Naparin said the collaboration represents a strategic partnership between the local government and a conservation organization to promote sustainable environmental management while supporting environmentally responsible regional development.
He said the partnership reinforces joint commitments to forest conservation, land rehabilitation, forest and land fire prevention, and community empowerment in the sustainable management of natural resources.
Fairid emphasized that addressing environmental challenges requires collaboration among governments, conservation organizations, and local communities to protect natural ecosystems while improving public welfare.
Deputy Mayor Achmad Zaini said the agreement reflects the spirit of collaboration promoted during the city’s anniversary celebrations and is expected to strengthen government programs aimed at achieving sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
YBNI Chair Pietra Widiadi said the foundation remains committed to supporting reforestation efforts and prepared 6,900 tree seedlings as part of the 61st anniversary of the Palangka Raya City Government and the 68th anniversary of Palangka Raya City.
He explained that the conservation organization focuses on protecting tropical rainforests in Central Kalimantan through community-based approaches that incorporate local wisdom to reduce forest degradation.
YBNI Chief Executive Officer Anton Nurcahyo said the seedlings include ecologically and economically valuable species such as petai, matoa, jengkol, tamarind, and several other native trees. The selection was based on seedling availability, community needs, and the suitability of planting locations.
Anton added that the partnership extends beyond reforestation to include support for environmental policy development, forest and land fire prevention through the establishment of an early warning system with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and assistance for social forestry programs in cooperation with the city’s Environmental Agency.
He cited the customary forest area in Mungku Baru as an example of cross-regional collaboration, noting that although the forest is administratively located in Gunung Mas Regency, it is managed by communities from Palangka Raya, making inter-regional cooperation essential for long-term conservation.
The foundation also supports the city’s climate adaptation initiatives through the Climate Village Program (ProKlim), community capacity-building, and other community-based conservation activities.
Both parties expressed hope that the strengthened partnership will improve the effectiveness of environmental conservation programs while delivering long-term benefits for local communities and ecosystem sustainability in Central Kalimantan. (*)
