Category: Films

Gaharu or Eaglewood is a well-known source of high-quality incense. The Chinese describe it as a “nice, profound yet balanced” fragrance.

It is formed when damaged Aquilaria trees produce a fragrant protective resin that gradually hardens and turns into black lumps.

Due to its high price in the market (at least US$2000/kg), the substance is sought out by many. Systematic hunting for the species starts from Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua New Guinea. The high market pressure has led to uncontrolled, destructive and unsustainable exploitation of the species, threatening its existence.
The film describes a unique sustainable harvesting system as practised by the Punan of Malinau, East Kalimantan. It also looks into how gaharu is used in reforestation.

Produced by Telapak and the NTFP-EP (2006). Copies (DVD or VCD) can be obtained by July through Ridzki Sigit, Telapak, Jl. Palem Putri III No. 1-3, Komp. Taman Yasmin Sektor V, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Tel: +62 0251 7159902. Email: rrsigit@telapak.org. URL: www.telapak.org

This film looks into the traditional and sustainable honey harvesting methods of the community living around Lake Sentarum, one of Southeast Asia’s largest wetlands.

Produced by Riak Bumi, Telapak and NTFP-EP (2005).

DVD, VCD, VHS; 24 mins.

To get your copy, contact:
Ridzki Sigit
Jl. Palem Putri III No. 1-3
Komp. Taman Yasmin Sektor V
Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
Tel: +62 0251 7159902
Email: rrsigit@gmail.com
URL: www.telapak.org

The majority of Sumbawa forest dwelling peoples are dependent on forest honey for their livelihoods. From tall trees on slopes or in the forest valley, these people climb and risk their lives to harvest honey.

Communities hand-in-hand with the Sumbawa Forest Honey Network (JMHS – Jaringan Madu Hutan Sumbawa), with assistance from the Indonesian Forest Honey Network (JMHI – Jaringan Madu Hutan Indonesia), have changed their methods of honey processing from a squeezing method to a filtering method to maintain the quality of the honey. On the harvesting side, they are practicing sustainable harvesting methods.

Since then, buyers now recognize JMHS as a trusted source of high quality forest honey. At the regency level, the Regent proudly supports this effort to make forest honey as the icon for Sumbawa and Honey Day initiatives.

See more at JMHI (http://www.ntfp.or.id), JMHS (http://kesuaning.blogspot.com), and Gekko Studio (http://www.gekkovoices.com)

For further information on this film, please contact:
Gekko Studio
Jl. Palem Putri 3 No. 1
Taman Yasmin 5
Bogor, West Java
Indonesia, 16112
Tel: +62 251 8431516
Fax: +62 251 8431516
Email: info@gekkovoices.com
URL: www.gekkovoices.com

Now available in Khmer (dubbed). Please contact Femy Pinto, Cambodia facilitator, femypinto@online.com.kh

Voices from the Forest. Balancing Forest Use and Conservation in Southeast Asia. The NTFP Exchange Programme captures on film the stories of indigenous peoples living in or near tropical forests in Southeast Asia, and their dependence on non-timber forest products for their survival as a people and as a culture. Through their voices as well as of some of their supporters, we share in their dreams and aspirations, as well as their fears as the rapidly changing world poses new challenges to their indigenous lifestyles.

We are offered a rare peek into:
– the nomadic Penan’s reliance on sago palm in the face of threats from a large logging company (Malaysia),
– traditional and sustainable harvesting, production and marketing of wild honey in Danau Sentarum (Indonesia),
– the Ikalahan tribe’s struggle to protect their traditional forest by transforming fruits of the forest into jams and jellies for the high-end niche market (the Philippines),
– the Higaonon tribe’s indigenous fabric, the hinabol, tied to traditional management of abaca (Manila Hemp) and the fast-disappearing art of hinabol weaving (the Philippines), and
– the crucial market links provided by the Upland Marketing Foundation and the CustomMade Crafts Center, and their tireless efforts at aiding local communities to develop marketable handicrafts and food products.

Produced by Riak Bumi, Telapak and the NTFP-EP (2005).
DVD copies (43 mins.)

To order this video in English, please contact:
Mr. Ridzki Sigit
Telapak, Jl. Palem Putri III No. 1-3, Komp. Taman Yasmin Sektor V, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Tel: +62 0251 7159902.
Email: rrsigit@telapak.org
URL: www.telapak.org

For copies in Khmer, please contact:
Community Forestry International (CFI)
#81B, Street 57, ( Corner of St. 398 ),
Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang I,
Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh
Tel/Fax: (855-23) 220 714, Tel: (855-23) 221 634
Email: cfioffice@cfi-cambodia.org.kh
http://www.communityforestryinternational.org/cambodia