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This SDSP newsletter is distributed among donors and other interested parties.
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SDSP Newsletter - december 2023
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It's buzzing!
As SDSP, we've always put helping the local population at the forefront, with initiatives that have an impact on the local community. Our latest projects also meet that criterion: our projects give an impetus, often leading to subsequent steps. Supporting a water supply in a village, for instance, becomes the starting point for government support, tourism, and an improved living environment. Similarly, the food forests stimulate better nutrition, village self-sufficiency, and reduce dependence on expensive food imports. Win-win-win.
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We receive support from donors, assistance from active volunteers (both here and in West Papua), and backing from various funds, large and small. Currently, the Rabobank Foundation is a significant partner in the Ransiki project. This enables us to elevate the project and assist the cocoa plantation in developing and becoming self-sufficient. Through knowledge exchange among projects and within the volunteer network, we're working on regional development in the Bird's Head Peninsula. This motivates us all – so thank you for everyone's involvement and contribution!
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Biodiversity & Agroforestry
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The projects of the SDSP revolve around several key themes. One of them is Biodiversity & Agroforestry. Based on the needs of the local community, we are currently working on multiple projects that are interconnected. This also helps us maintain focus: from the SDSP board and the core group of volunteers, we can better share our knowledge and interconnect the projects. This is beneficial for the projects as well: especially in Papua, a network of people is crucial.
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At the moment, a central figure in our projects is our Australian advisor, Reville Saw. We first met him during the Sawinggrai project. Currently, Reville advises us on multiple projects in the Bird's Head Peninsula. He frequently travels back and forth from Australia to visit the projects, provide guidance, and support their development.
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Agroforestry | Raja Ampat
Sawinggrai - the first food forest
In 2019, the first Agroforestry project took off. In the village of Sawinggrai in Raja Ampat, a 4000 square meter food forest was established alongside vegetable cultivation. The primary aim was to provide the people in the village with fresh vegetables and fruits from their own surroundings. Key products include mangoes, avocados, bananas, papayas, dragon fruit, red peppers, pumpkins, and corn. With the support of the Contribute Foundation and assistance in piloting this project from Plentyfood and the Utrecht student association Storm, we were able to set up this project.
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Now that the project phase has concluded, we continue to monitor this initiative. For the SDSP, the Sawinggrai project was crucial as it served as a pilot for various other initiatives.
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Agroforestry | Kebar valley
Food forest Tambrauw
The Sawinggrai project has sparked a spin-off in the Kebar Valley. In 2022, planting began on 6 hectares of fruit trees, which has since expanded to 12 hectares.
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The project has a fourfold objective:
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• Food production for the local population;
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• Cultivation of cash crops including coffee, cocoa, vanilla, and nutmeg;
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• Reforestation using indigenous species;
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The plan involves introducing local farmers to the sustainable farming method called 'syntropic agroforestry'. This method involves cultivating various crops that mimic the principles of a tropical forest and avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers.
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Furthermore, education will be provided on creating organic pesticides against diseases and parasites using the Korean JADAM system; making low-tech, low-cost biobased pesticides.
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The SDSP is committed to fostering collaboration with Dutch knowledge institutions such as Wageningen University and Larenstein University of Applied Sciences. The local university, UNIPA in Manokwari, is also involved, aiming to potentially facilitate internships and research opportunities in the future.
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In November, Jan Schouwenburg (core group member of SDSP) and Reville Saw visited the Kebar Valley.
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Agroforestry | Manokwari
Food forest Villanova
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Just outside the second largest city in West Papua, Manokwari, lies the Augustinian boarding school SMA Villanova. The late Father Ton Tromp OSA was the leader of this boarding school. The school plays a significant role in the community: it serves around two hundred children from the inland areas, providing them with secondary education.
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Fresh fruit for every child
In collaboration with the foundation The Tree Party, the SDSP is establishing a 3-hectare food forest here. The aim is to strengthen the school's food supply under the motto "Every child, every day, a piece of fresh fruit." Additionally, students gain experience with the sustainable agricultural system of Agroforestry. RVO Netherlands is financing the project through CO2 compensation funds from a Dutch trade mission to Indonesia. A total of 3000 trees are being purchased, with a portion allocated to Villanova and another portion to the local university, UNIPA Manokwari.
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Preparation at Villanova began last month (check Reville's video updates on our website), and planting will commence in early February 2024. Following Villanova, the food forest at UNIPA will be established.
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Agroforestry | Arfak mountains
Coffee project Kwau
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The soils of the Arfak Mountains are highly suitable for the cultivation of Arabica coffee. In the village of Kwau, efforts are currently underway to establish a coffee Agroforestry pilot project.
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The system to be planted will include not only coffee and various other crops but also the 'buah merah' fruit.
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The primary goal is to produce high-quality, organic coffee to provide the farmers in the village with a better income.
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Agroforestry | Ransiki
Cocoa plantation Ransiki
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The cocoa plantation in Ransiki is one of SDSP's larger projects. We serve as a knowledge partner for the plantation's management. Anna van Paddenburg leads the project in Papua, working directly with the local community.
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The SDSP provides support in various ways.
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Our board member, Henk Krijnen, is actively involved in assisting the plantation's management in formulating the mission, vision, and the organizational structure (the operational model). This includes developing a well-thought-out, thoroughly calculated, and detailed financial plan. This is essential for accountability, such as reporting to the government or applying for funds. Henk helps in ensuring these aspects are well-organized.
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Additionally, the SDSP contributes expertise through our advisor, Reville Saw. He assists in developing plans for crop cultivation and aids in executing these plans. Biodiversity and the development of ecological pest control methods are essential components for the plantation's development, and we support these aspects. We're also involved in mapping the area, utilizing a simple GIS system for the plantation (which covers an area of over 1000 hectares). Through the SDSP, we engage advisors for the project, such as providing training for local management or offering advice on area drainage. For the latter, an advisor from Witteveen&Bos is involved.
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Sustainable tourism | Bird's Head peninsula
Sustainable tourism projects
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The SDSP is very pleased with Charles Roring, who regularly assists us in guiding students, volunteers, and tourists.
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Charles is deeply involved with the local community and consistently offers excellent suggestions for smaller projects in the realm of sustainable tourism.
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The SDSP always endeavors to support such initiatives. In the Tambrauw regency, we've been involved in various efforts. For instance, we've supported water projects in villages like Malagufuk, Yenbekaki, Akmuri, and Indibo alongside volunteers Wally & Coby Vreede. The local people are still utilizing these water installations. You can watch a video about Malagufuk on our website.
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Malagufuk
In Malagufuk, nature conservation, tourism, and employment go hand in hand. Previous initiatives from the SDSP have been instrumental: we kickstarted the village with a water well and accommodation, and now it has become one of the most popular rainforest destinations in West Papua.
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The local government has constructed guest accommodations and a 3-kilometer wooden bridge that connects the village of Malagufuk to the main road. As a result, there's an influx of tourists. Multiple guides and travel agencies have organized tours to this village.
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Susnguakti
Together with Charles, the SDSP is supporting tourism in the Susnguakti forest, which is near Indibo and close to Manokwari. We've assisted in repairing the damaged base camp for birdwatchers and constructing a toilet facility. As a follow-up, a small wooden cottage is currently being built to serve as accommodation for tourists.
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The goal is to attract more tourists to Susnguakti, creating additional job opportunities for villagers as cooks, guides, and porters. This not only promotes tourism but also fosters economic growth within the community. Read more
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Weyos
Through Charles Roring, we've received a request for supporting the development of the beautiful Weyos Beach for ecotourism.
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The beach is situated along the remote coast of the Tambrauw regency.
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Here too, the intention is to provide local villagers with more opportunities to welcome visitors, serve them, generate income from tourism activities, all while preserving the environment.
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The initial phase of this project was successfully completed in the summer of 2023, and the first group of tourists was welcomed by the villagers. The plan for the next phase is to construct accommodation by the beach. Read more
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Culture | Manokwari
Restoration war monument
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We are committed to assisting in the planned restoration of the forgotten and neglected war monument in Manokwari.
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Our aim is for the residents and visitors of Manokwari to learn about the story of the collective brave guerrilla struggle of both the Dutch and Papuans during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
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The monument was erected in 1955 in memory of Captain JHB Willemz Geeroms, who was tragically killed. It also honors the courageous fighters led by Sergeant Kokkelink and local chieftains Barend and Lodewijk Mandacan, who substantially undermined the enemy's strength, evaded capture until the end, and managed to liberate hundreds of women and children from a concentration camp during the Japanese occupation. More about this brave struggle can be found in Erik Becking's article 'The Heroes of the Bird's Head' in Bersama magazine. We are currently in the fundraising phase for the restoration. More information about our project is available on the PIF-world.
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Visit our PIF project page 'Save this Forgotten Monument in Manokwari' for additional details and informative links to background information. You can also find information there on how to support this project.
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SDSP
Volunteer meetings
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In this digital age, it's important to maintain the personal network of the SDSP. So much is happening in West Papua, and through emails or online meetings, it's not always possible to share all information and celebrate successes. That's why the SDSP organizes a volunteer gathering twice a year.
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The first one was on June 10th, and the second on October 7th. In both instances, the emphasis was on 'for and by volunteers'. With the help of Coby and Wally Vreede, SDSP members were able to come together in Amersfoort. The first time, enjoying a delightful lunch, and the second time, with a fantastic Indonesian rice table. Enclosed are some impressions... Many thanks to our hosts!
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In memoriam
Father Ton Tromp
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On May 8, 2023, we received the sad news of the passing of Father Ton Tromp at the age of 78 in his beloved West Papua.
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We are grateful for what he meant to the SDSP, but above all, for the tremendous and positive impact he had on the lives of all those Papuans in the Bird's Head region…
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Exhibition
'Birds of God'
The unique story of 'The Journey of the Bird of Paradise' is told from three different perspectives: indigenous, colonial, and missionary.
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On display from December 9, 2023, to September 1, 2024, at the Mission Museum | Veerweg 6 | 5935 BK STEYL | Netherlands
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Veterans Day 2023
Article Nico Jouwe
At this year's Veterans Day in The Hague, many colleagues from our network gathered. Among the stakeholders and donors of the SDSP are also veterans who have served in Papua.
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As a humanitarian foundation working on projects in West Papua, we also have an impact on the local society. SDSP volunteers are aware of this and are dedicated to a peaceful and inclusive community. The difficulty in bringing attention to the issues in West Papua is still evident, as shown in the attached article by Nico Jouwe on the platform Hard//hoofd: 'Colonial Pain: Papuan Flag Unwanted during Veterans Day Parade'
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For the article, he interviewed Iskandar Bwefar, who was arrested during Veterans Day in 2014.
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Daan Goppel on LinkedIn
First tree planted
Amazing! 🌱 The first tree for the project I'm involved in with @thetreeparty and SDSP has been symbolically planted at the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta. Great work, HRH Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, and Ambassador Lambert Grijns! ;)
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Now onto the real work: establishing a food forest at a boarding school in West Papua, capturing CO2 and providing children from the inland areas with a healthy addition to their daily diet. Trees making life better! :)
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Thanks to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for supporting this project!
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Interested in learning more about the collaboration for this food forest project at the SMA Villanova campus near Manokwari? Read further on our website!
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Become a donor
#thankyouforyoursupport
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The SDSP believes in an integrated strategy to provide the people of West Papua with tools for a better future. This approach focuses on comprehensive regional development with foundational pillars: Biodiversity & Nature, Water & Sanitation, Community Development & Health, Education & Capacity Building, and Arts & Culture.
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IBAN: NL66 INGB 0007 3247 57
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