Evangelische Bank eG
IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Indonesia: Reforestation in Sulawesi
Indonesia: Reforestation in Sulawesi
In Indonesia, heavy rains and flooding have become more and more frequent due to climate change. The often indiscriminate clearing of forests has now resulted in soil erosion and landslides, which in turn threatens the financial existence of farmers. The Protestant Indonesian Church in Luwu (GPIL) is launching a reforestation programme with a twofold effect.
Indonesia is facing an increase in landslides and flooding. Often, these natural disasters are the result of significant human intervention in nature. For example, vast areas of forest were indiscriminately cleared in the past to create arable land or to sell the logged timber. However, this plan has totally backfired. Now the resulting damage to the environment is threatening all the families who live off the land.
The Protestant Indonesian Church in Luwu (GPIL) has launched a project that both helps nature and supports the people who live off it. The project focuses on planting durian trees. Durian trees, also known as the king of fruits, are widespread throughout Indonesia. They grow up to 50 metres high and can store large quantities of water, so making a significant contribution to maintaining an intact ecosystem. Their tasty fruits with their characteristically spiky skin are very popular and can be sold at a profit. The aim is to enable families participating in the project to earn a stable and reliable income.
The project is located in Luwu, a traditional durian growing area. It is supervised directly by the church management and actively involves the local communities in all decisions. The high level of personal commitment of all those involved in the project is essential for its success since a reforestation project of this scale takes time and patience. It takes four years for durian trees to start bearing fruit. Tending the seedlings and planting the trees requires knowledge that the project participants must first acquire.
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Indonesien
255 Mio. Einwohner*innen mit 20% Jugendarbeitslosigkeit
Reforestation to combat environmental degradation and poverty
The GPIL project has a twofold effect. It repairs damage to the environment through active reforestation and also reduces the threat of poverty among the farming population. Your donation can also help.
Project goals
The GPIL intends to reforest cleared land by planting a large number of durian trees. The cultivation and sale of the popular durian fruit will enable families at risk of poverty to increase their income. At the same time, the project reduces the consequences of climate change.
Project work
The project is under the direct supervision of church leaders and involves people in the communities at all levels. This ensures a high level of personal identification with the project goals – something that is necessary since the sustainable project is planned over a long period of time.
Project partners
Luwu is a government district in the Indonesian province of South Sulawesi. The Indonesian Protestant Church in Luwu (GPIL) is a church situated in a region inhabited by small farmers. It has about 20.000 members. Many of the 114 congregations are located in remote mountain regions and can only be reached on foot. For the people there, the training programmes and spiritual support from their church are very important. Thanks to the EMS Fellowship, they take part in worldwide ecumenism.
We are pleased to hear that you are interested in this project. If you have any general questions, please use the contact form below. We are also happy to help you personally if you have any questions or require further information – by phone or by E-mail.
Djoko P. A. Wibowo
Liaison Secretary Indonesia
+49 711 636 78 -36
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