Seeds for Bali

Seeds for Bali
Purchase a Seedling During the UN Climate Change Conference and Create a Forest on Nusa Penida Island.

(From article at www.balidiscovery.com)

(12/1/2007) Visitors to Bali and delegate attending the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) between December 3 – 14, 2007 will have the opportunity to purchase trees saplings that will eventually become part of a "new" forest on the barren island of Nusa Penida, located only a few miles from Bali's shores.Seeds for BaliSeeds for Bali is a non-profit program initiated by Bank Danamon Indonesia and co-sponsored by Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), in partnership with Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF).

The program aims to pilot reforestation efforts on some of the most arid places in Bali, with "seed money" provided by Danamon, BTDC and donations from American Express Card members worldwide.Through the promotion of Seeds for Bali at 3 tented locations in Bali the organizers hope to help accelerate public awareness on the important role of trees and reforestation in the effort to combat global warming. Via the sale of subsidized trees for eventual planting on Nusa Penida, participants will make a real impact on a specific micro-habitat conservation effort, offset their carbon footprint and make a positive contribution to the economy of Bali.Working with Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF), a ten hectare block of land at Nusa Penida's Puncak Temu and another plot of equal size at Adegan Village have been chosen to receive the thousands of trees targeted to be sold during the UNFCCC.

The project works to ensure an 80% survival rate of the trees through the end of fifth year by working with local communities who help raise seedlings, prepare ground for planting, establishing catchments systems, undertake site maintenance and ongoing plant care. FNPF, the executor of Seeds for Bali program, estimates the cost of caring for a tree for 5 years is around US$3.30 per plant.

The choice of seedlings is based on a wide range of native species deemed suitable for the extreme conditions existing at the planting area, able to benefit local wildlife and birds, provide an economic benefit to the local community and have a firm connection to local cultural traditions.Among the trees selected for Nusa Penida are sandalwood and mahogany trees with planting scheduled to commence in mid-December. An aerial surveillance program will be employed to track progress and safeguard the new plantings.Donors and interested parties will be able to monitor the project on line at [Friends Nation Park Website.]

Seed for Bali information and purchase booths will be open from December 3-14 in three separate locations: Nusa Dua next to the Bali Eye, Nusa Dua opposite the entrance to Bali Collection and in Kuta in front of the Hard Rock Café. Trees can also be purchased through the end of December at the Bali Danamon Office (Legian Street) and Rascals (Legian and Kuta Streets).For more information call American Express Merchant Services – Bali Office at ++62-(0)361- 757510/11 or ask your Hotel Concierge.


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