Designed to face the challenge of balancing immediate protection and long-term development needs in Aceh, AFEP focuses on promoting strong policies, institutions and best practices. Thus, building a strong foundation to ensure the conservation of Ulu Masen and Leuser forest ecosystems and promote sustainable social and economic development for the people of Aceh, simultaneously.

Strategically AFEP will be delivered in phases. Beginning with forest protection initiatives and awareness campaigns, followed by green reconstruction and spatial planning activities. Then, activities will proceed to focus increasingly on capacity building and institutional strengthening.

To secure continued forest conservation into the long term, AFEP includes a conservation financing activity to develop new sources such as payment for environmental services, improved local government financing and fundraising for new grants.
Focusing on People

Partnerships and assistance are crucial in developing and strengthening institutions. Through a strong alliance with national, provincial and local government, the BRR, local NGOs, communities, and other stakeholders, AFEP endeavours to involve people in saving Aceh's forests and improving the Aceh quality of life:

Government - a clean and transparent forest governance system, pre-requisite in achieving forest sustainability, depends heavily on people. Work with GOI agencies is carried out at all levels to strengthen staff capacity for forest conservation monitoring, law enforcement and conservation. Joint activities include field surveys, data collection, resource appraisals, development of methods and manuals, design and implement field projects, capacity building and skill sharing, co-development of recommendations for conservation and contributions to regional strategies and plans.

Civil Society - To reach out to the wider public in bringing around environmentally sound awareness and practices, AFEP works closely with numerous local Aceh CSOs. Its environmental awareness and education campaigns are designed with sensitivity to local cultural and religious norms, with the aim of strengthening civic participation in responsible and sustainable forest management.

Communities - Interests of local people are of pivotal importance for AFEP, and are ensured through Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Councils consisting of community representatives, traditional leaders, and local government institutions. Input from these Advisory Councils help AFEP design and deliver meaningful services to promote economically viable livelihood initiatives, improve natural resource management practices and strengthen conservation results.

The Private Sector - AFEP will work actively to engage the private sector operating in Aceh to promote best practice in terms of ensuring environmental and social protection throughout their operations. The private sector is also actively involved in providing valuable support in financial terms and in kind for the deliverance of effective education and awareness campaigns.

Mass Media - fully aware of the important role Mass Media plays in promoting good governance, AFEP pays close attention to providing timely and credible information concerning project progress to the media on a regular basis. AFEP also serves as a 'Aceh Conservation' news service for the mass media at the local, national, and international level. This service will be delivered through regular press releases, media briefing activities, and an online resource center, the AFEP press-room on our web-site ( www.acehforest.org)