Forest Rehabilitation and Economic Independence: The Role of Nutmeg in Sustainable Management by Gapoktan SHK Lestari

Gapoktan SHK Lestari is a community that has been managing its area for more than 30 years, which is part of the Tahura Wan Abdul Rahman Conservation Forest area, Lampung. Consisting of 21 Forest Farmer Groups (KTH), Gapoktan SHK Lestari focuses on sustainable forest management through a conservation partnership scheme. Its activities include strengthening the governance and production system of the People's Management Area, as well as the utilization of non-timber forest products such as nutmeg to improve community welfare. Dependence on sources of livelihood in this forest area makes SHK Lestari continue to be active in efforts to strengthen the governance of the people's management area through "Strengthening the Governance and Production System of the People's Management Area in the SHK PBL Community".

In the implementation of the program which took place from February 01, 2024 to April 30, 2024, Gapoktan SHK Lestari implemented a rehabilitation and restoration program in the Tahura Wan Abdul Rahman area with the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding. This program resulted in the planting of 11.500 nutmeg seedlings in an area of ​​400 hectares. The number of seedlings planted even exceeded the initial target of 10.000 seedlings, reflecting the spirit and enthusiasm of the community members. As a result, around 70% of the planted nutmeg seedlings have grown well, giving hope for the success of reforestation and rehabilitation efforts in areas experiencing degradation. Planting these nutmeg seedlings helps increase forest cover and also supports the conservation of biodiversity threatened by forest degradation. 

Planting nutmeg trees is not only focused on reforestation, but also as an effort to increase nutmeg oil production. SHK Lestari completes the equipment and facilities of the nutmeg oil distillation house, including steamer tubes, furnace houses, and raw material warehouses. The community can process nutmeg into essential oils, which are expected to increase the income of community members and reduce dependence on the sale of raw nutmeg materials to middlemen. Nutmeg oil production also provides opportunities for the community to develop other derivative products in the future.

This program involves many parties, including 21 KTHs involved as direct beneficiaries. In addition, the government through the UPTD KPHK Tahura WAR plays a role in planning and fulfilling greening needs. WALHI Lampung, as a companion organization, is involved in assisting the implementation of this program, together with the community to implement activities and ensure they are in accordance with the plans and principles of the organization. Women and young people in the community are involved in various stages of the program, from planting seeds to processing raw materials and producing nutmeg oil.

By increasing the value of non-timber forest products such as nutmeg processed into essential oils, communities can create a sustainable source of income that does not damage the environment.