A joint agro-forestry project between Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Indonesia has won an award for environmental excellence.
Every year the Indonesian Department of Forestry acknowledges outstanding agro-forestry work amongst community leaders through the national Gerakan Pengihijauan (GERHAN) or Greening Movement awards.
This year two awards were given for excellence in community leadership in agro-forestry development projects in Nusa Tenggara Timor.
One of the winners was Ambros Lako, from the village of Dorameli on Flores.
Ambros is the leader of an agro-forestry development and fire management group formed as part of a CDU and Indonesian Government joint project targeting integrated rural development.
A key to the success of Ambros’ hard work has been the facilitation and training provided by local NGOs and the training in savannah fire control techniques provided by CDU and the Northern Territory Government.
The excellence award is a significant example of knowledge exchange between neighbouring tropical savanna landscapes, resulting in increased capacity for good land management and long-term poverty alleviation.