Eco-Tourism in the Rain Forest of Western Java, Indonesia

by Biological Science Club

What's at Stake?

The emerald forests of Gunung Halimun National Park (GHNP) are one of the last stretches of lowland and montane forests on the densely populated island of Java. Established as a National Park just five years ago, GHNP is home to 23 mammal species, including the endemic Javan gibbon and grizzled langur. The park supports over 200 birds species, 500 plant species and a spectacular diversity of butterflies. For visitors, the park is a wonderful respite from the pollution and energy of Jakarta.

In Indonesia, park status does not necessarily mean protection. The indigenous Kasepuhan and Sudanese communities who live in and around the park depend heavily on its resources. They value their traditions and their way of life. Terraces of verdant rice paddies scale the mountains and developments nibble away at the park's natural environment. Unsustainable fuel wood collection and harvesting of non-timber forest products continually erode the forests and prospectors comb the rivers and hills in search of gold. The challenge is to find a way that these communities can survive in balance with nature, to safeguard the watershed which is of major importance to the island, and to protect what's left of Java's biodiversity.

The Gunung Halimun Consortium, with the Biological Science Club as its lead organization, is working with local communities to develop an ecotourism enterprise and conservation awareness program geared to attracting domestic and international visitors from Jakarta, which lies only a few hours away by car. The project also offers the opportunity to work with the Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHPA) on allowable access and use of resources in protected areas.

	1997 Update
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