ULM Forestry Faculty Again Implements Peat Care Independent Village Program to 12 Fostered Villages

Banjarbaru – The Faculty of Forestry, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) is again running the Group Business Strengthening program for Community Welfare and Peat Ecosystem Sustainability on Thursday, (12/9/2024). In 2024, it has entered the fourth year that the Faculty of Forestry, ULM, together with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) have run the Independent Peat Care Village (DMPG) program. This program continues to progress in South Kalimantan Province.

“Last year there were only 7 (seven) villages that we mentored, now there are 12,” said the Head of the South Kalimantan DMPG Program, Rina Muhayah Noor Fitri.

The 12 villages undergoing mentoring are spread across various regions, namely 7 villages in Tapin Regency, 3 Villages in the upper reaches of Sungai Tengah in 2 in Balangan Regency. This program mostly takes opportunities in the livestock sector which is considered easier to care for in all seasons.

The program jointly designed by Lambung Mangkurat University together with the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry aims for community-based peat ecosystem restoration carried out outside forest and concession areas. This program was also formed with the aim of encouraging community empowerment, both men and women, including economic potential in a sustainable manner.

“Actually, what we are doing at DMPG is empowering the community with encouragement or stimulus with this assistance so that later they will not only participate in community welfare but also in protecting the peat ecosystem. More on emphasizing investment in the future, not temporary assistance, but sustainable assistance,” added Muhayah Noor Fitri.

ULM Vice Rector IV Dr. Ir. Yusuf Azis, M.Sc who was also present greatly appreciated the Independent Village Exposure Care for Peat (DMPG). He explained that this program is a form of concern from the Faculty of Forestry in directly helping village independence which is expected to be carried out sustainably.

“And of course with a larger number of villages, because our friends at Fahutan are ready to run the DMPG program in South Kalimantan,” said ULM Vice Rector IV.