2015.5 Indonesia

OISCA Indonesia holds Eco Camp with the theme of Forest and Water

 On March 21 and 22, OISCA Indonesia organized eco camp of the Children’s Forest Program (CFP) in Madura Island, East Java Province, and 150 school children and teachers from 10 primary and secondary schools in Sumenep and Pamekasan Regencies participated in the event. The camp was held to commemorate the “International Day of Forest” on March 21 and the “World Water Day” on March 22.

 On Madura Island, serious water shortage in the dry season and massive floods in the rainy season occur mainly because the terrain is mostly flat with poor water retention capability and forestation is not in progress. In the face of the frequent natural disasters, it has been the major challenge to conserve the water source environment.

   With the financial support from the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization, OISCA started in 2014 “Project of cooperation with schools and communities for the conservation of forests and water” with a view to promote knowledge on forests and water conservation, to fundamentally improve the environment and to develop sustainable communities. The eco camp was carried out as a CFP activity which forms part of the project. Through seminars and outdoor workshops, the participating children learnt about environmental problems of their own communities, water circulation in nature and biodiversity.

  The children said they understood well that protecting forests leads to protecting water and would like to continue tree planting so that their communities would be revitalized with green and rich land. By fostering the children’s awareness and also involving the local residents, OISCA intends to promote the development of human resources who can take initiatives.