The day is very bright in the morning, Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at the Bogor Botanical Gardens. The sun warmly shines against trees, bushes and grass. The atmosphere is getting more comfortable with the sounds of birds and insects that alternate, making us aware that nature is man's best friend. We also understand that today we often forget the greatness of nature that has bestowed the comfort of life for humans. Forget about the trees, forget about the bushes, forget about the grass that has made great contributions to keep the function of the environment maintained, for humans.
And on this sunny morning, the IFM Fund is preparing to appear, revealing itself to everyone. All efforts that have been prepared for days or weeks before will be rewarded if the implementation of the IFM Fund Launch works well. One by one each tool is prepared starting from books, leaflets, photos, banners, banners to the complete presentation. All shoulder to shoulder to make this launch a success starting from Bogor Print which helps the process of design and printing, MFP (Multistakeholder Forestry Program) with photos and films, to friends around the office.
In one part of the Botanical Gardens, to be exact at the Grand Garden Hotel, several people seemed to be busy preparing the equipment and composing the layout so that all invited guests could interact well. 20 photos are placed in every corner of the area that shows the condition of the forest and the environment of Indonesia, the Standing Banner is placed near the projector screen and entry area. Almost finished when there was a suggestion that the seat be changed, and after being noticed it felt strange if the place to talk must be in 2 places separated by fences and climbs. Finally, the seats are changed, crammed but can make the atmosphere more intimate and communication more smoothly.
The time is getting late when Dr.Ir. Ida Bagus Putera Parthama, M.Sc., Director General of Sustainable Production Forest Management of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry took the time to arrive earlier than other guests in the midst of their busy schedule. With his smile and friendliness Mr. Putera Parthama was welcomed by Christian Bob Purba, Director of the IFM Fund and Mrs. Julia Kalmirah from the MFP who had attended. Invited guests began to arrive and some of them were Paul Eastwood, the United Kingdom's Senior Forestry Advisor for the Department of International Development (DFID) and Mrs. Josil P. Murray from FAO who were also present to mingle with other invited guests. While waiting for the other invited guests to arrive before the event, the guests began to enjoy coffe dishes and snacks provided.
The event was started by Christian Bob Purba who was very grateful because the invitation could take place. The speakers who appeared expressed the same enthusiasm, grateful that with the launch of the IFM Fund it has automatically fulfilled the achievements of the agreement between the European Union and Indonesia concerning Timber Legality Verification, namely the existence of institutions that support and manage funding for forest governance monitoring activities which this will make it easier for independent forestry monitors to work.
The IFM Fund is institutionally newly formed, with many hopes and challenges ahead. However, the IFM Fund believes that all this must be done and believes that many friends will help improve forest governance in Indonesia.