GCF Members Organize an International “Biodiversity, Ecotourism & Creative Economy” Conference - IND

GCF delegates from Papua, Indonesia organized an international conference that united the GCF across Indonesia with important international donors, including USAID, the US Embassy, GTZ, the European Union, and the Rainforest Foundation. The purpose of the conference was to celebrate the biodiversity of Papua and to collectively plan sustainable development pathways that protect and enhance this biodiversity by emphasizing ecotourism and creative economic development options, including the sustainable production of coffee, chocolate, and honey. GCF delegates from Amazonas, Brazil and Cross River State, Nigeria participated in the conference and presented models at work in their regions. These models provided valuable lessons for Papua’s consideration and emphasized the importance of political engagement, sound legislation, and integrated jurisdictional planning. The GCF members also met with the Head of the Planning Department for Papua. The conference was opened by Governor Lukas Enembe of Papua, and featured interactive panels, an innovation fair, field trips, and performances by traditional Papuan artists.