EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MAY 2019

THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN AND

CONSERVATION STRATEGY OF

HELMETED HORNBILL (Rhinoplax vigil)

IN INDONESIA 2018-2028

© Y. Hadiprakarsa/Rangkong Indonesia

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN AND CONSERVATION

STRATEGY OF THE HELMETED HORNBILL (Rhinoplax vigil)

IN INDONESIA

2018-2028

DRAFTING TEAM

Bambang Dahono Adji (Direktorat Konservasi Keanekaragaman Hayati-KLHK), Ratna Kusuma Sari

(Direktorat Konservasi Keanekaragaman Hayati-KLHK), Agung Nugroho (Direktorat Konservasi

Keanekaragaman Hayati-KLHK), Sri Ratnaningsih (Direktorat Konservasi Keanekaragaman Hayati-

KLHK), Desy Satya Chandradewi (Direktorat Konservasi Keanekaragaman Hayati-KLHK), Arief Santosa

(Direktorat Penegakan Hukum Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan-KLHK), Dewi M. Prawiradilaga (Pusat

Penelitian Biologi, Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia), Muhammad Irham (Pusat Penelitian Biologi,

Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia), Nurul Winarni (Research Center of Climate Change Universitas

Indonesia), Yeni A. Mulyani (Institut Pertanian Bogor), Yok Yok Hadiprakarsa (Rangkong Indonesia), Sofi

Mardiah (USAID BIJAK/Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program), Andina Auria Dwiputri

(USAID BIJAK/Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program), William Marthy (USAID

BIJAK/Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program), Hendry Pramono (USAID BIJAK/Wildlife

Conservation Society Indonesia Program), Ady Kristanto (Fauna & Flora International), Yoan Dinata

(Zoological Society of London), Ria Saryanthi (Burung Indonesia), Ferry Hasudungan (Burung Indonesia),

Novi Hardianto (Yayasan WWF Indonesia)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to thank various stakeholders who have been actively taking part in the development of

SRAK Helmeted Hornbill Indonesia from the beginning to the end of the process, including Abdul Halim

Ramli (cultural observer), Arief Mahmud (BBTNBKDS), Giyanto (Wildlife Conservation Society),

Rahmad Saleh (BBTNGL), Sadtata Noor Adirahmanta (BKSDA Kalimantan Barat), Suer Suryadi

(Researcher), Suhartono (KLHK), and Wilson Novarino (Universitas Andalas). We also would like to

thank all government institutions, organizations, and companies who have been supporting and

participating during the development of this document including Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI),

Attorney General's Office, BAPPENAS, BAPPEDA Kapuas Hulu, BKSDA offices in Sumatra and

Kalimantan, National Park management in Sumatra and Kalimantan, local government (Dinas

Kehutanan) in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Universitas Andalas, UIN Syarif

Hidayatullah-Jakarta, Universitas Tanjung Pura-Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat, Research Center for Climate

Change Universitas Indonesia, Burung Indonesia, Fauna and Flora International Indonesia Program,

Himpunan Asosias Pengusaha Flora Fauna Indonesia, Kawan Burung Ketapang, PKBSI, Rangkong

Indonesia, TFCA Kalimantan, USAID Bangun Indonesia Jaga Alam demi Keberlanjutan (USAID BIJAK),

Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program, Yayasan Kehati, Yayasan Palung, Yayasan Planet

Indonesia, Yayasan Titian, Yayasan WWF Indonesia, Zoological Society of London, PT. Asia Pulp and

Paper Indonesia, PT. Astra Agro Lestari, PT. KSI WIlmar International Plantation, PT. Riau Andalan Pulp

& Paper, PT. Sari Bumi Kusuma, PT. SMART Tbk, PT. Suka Jaya Makmur, and PT. Wanasokan Hasilindo

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. HELMETED HORNBILL IN INDONESIA: AN OVERVIEW .............................................................. 5

1.1 THE HELMETED HORNBILL’S BIOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION ........................................................... 5 1.2 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEGAL AND POLICIES FRAMEWORKS ................................................................. 5

2. THREATS IN CONSERVING THE HELMETED HORNBILL ............................................................ 6

2.1 THREATS FACED IN HELMETED HORNBILL CONSERVATION.................................................................................... 6

3. CONSERVATION MEASURES: THE ACTION PLAN AND CONSERVATION STRATEGY

FOR THE HELMETED HORNBILL IN INDONESIA .................................................................................... 8

3.1 THE HELMETED HORNBILL’S POPULATION AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT ............................................................ 10 3.2 REGULATION AND POLICY .............................................................................................................................. 11 3.3 PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATION IN SUPPORTING HELMETED HORNBILLS CONSERVATION IN INDONESIA ........... 13 3.4 COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF HELMETED HORNBILLS CONSERVATION IN INDONESIA ..... 14 3.5 FUNDING SUPPORT FOR HELMETED HORNBILLS CONSERVATION ....................................................................... 14

4. CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 15

5. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 16

1. Helmeted hornbill in Indonesia: an overview

1.1 The helmeted hornbill’s biological and ecological information

The helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) is a conservation icon of Asian tropical forests. Its distinctive and

loud voice can be heard across the tropical forests of southern Thailand and Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia,

Sumatra and Borneo Islands. This species, along with other birds of Bucerotidae family, plays an important

role in forest ecology as effective seed spreading agent, disseminating various types of fruit seeds far away

from the parent tree with its extensive flying range (Kinnaird, 1998; Kinnaird & O'Brien, 2005; Kitamura,

2011).

Morphologically, the helmeted hornbill is easily recognized as it has a relatively large body with middle tail

feathers longer than the rest, resembling a ribbon. Unlike the other hornbills, this type of hornbill is also

known to have a distinctive casque made of keratin with no blood vessels, rendering it hard and solid

(Gamble, 2007; Kinnaird & O'Brien, 2007). With its unique characteristic of violet yellow and red color

blend and softer than elephant’s ivory, the casque has been targeted for its decorative quality since the

Ming Dynasty in the 14th century.

In addition to its ecological functions, the helmeted hornbill also has special cultural values among

Indonesians, especially the Dayak tribe people in Kalimantan. In West Kalimantan province, the bird is

considered as a token of pride that symbolizes courage and greatness of the Dayaks. While among the

local people in Lampung, the southernmost province of Sumatra, this species is said to symbolize greatness

and leadership.

Even though the helmeted hornbill has various ecological functions and high cultural values, the data and

information on its population in Indonesia to date is very limited. There are only six locations on the

islands of Kalimantan and Sumatra where its population density has been reported i.e. the Kutai National

Parks, Barito Ulu, International Timber Corporation Indonesia in East Kalimantan, Hutan Harapan - Jambi,

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP)-Lampung, as well as the Province of Lampung as a whole.

However, different estimating protocols made density data in these two islands difficult to confirm.

Furthermore, the densities of this bird species are significantly different between sites that have been

affected by poaching and those free of it (Bennett et al., 1997), and it is estimated to be around 2,3

individuals/km2 (Kinnaird and O’Brien, 2007).

1.2 National and International Legal and Policies Frameworks

In Indonesia, there are 13 species of hornbills. All of these species classified under Bucerotidae family and

protected at the national level by Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources

and Its Ecosystems and its derivative Government Regulation (PP) No. 7 of 1999 on Wild Flora and Fauna

Preservation. The appendix of the latter stipulates that hornbills (all species of the Bucerotidae family) are

listed as protected species. In addition, based on the Minister of Forestry Regulation No. P.57/Menhut-

II/2008 on the Strategic Directive on National Species Conservation 2008-2018, hornbills are categorized

as high priority species among birds, and the helmeted hornbill has a special place as it is not only a high

priority among birds in general, but also among hornbills in particular.

The high rate of threats and poaching against the helmeted hornbill also attracts public attention at

international level. The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

(CITES) has listed the helmeted hornbill on Appendix I since 1975. Moreover, since 1994 according to the

International Union for Conservation at Nature (IUCN) Red List has categorized the conservation status

of this species as Near Threatened. However, due to the aforementioned threats, in 2015, the conservation

status of this species was changed from initially Near Threatened to Critically Endangered, the last two steps

in the conservation status before being extinct after extinct in the wild.

Recognizing this critical condition, Indonesia took the initiative to submit a proposal for a resolution on

the conservation and trade of helmeted hornbill at the CITES 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP). This

resolution was adopted in the session by acclamation in Conf. Document 17.11 on the conservation of

and trade in the helmeted hornbill which requires Indonesia to become a role model in its implementation

as the country that proposed this resolution. As a follow up and to show its commitment, the Indonesian

government and relevant stakeholders in the country deemed it necessary to draft a national document

to be used as a common reference in the effort to conserve this protected species, and produced a

document entitled the national action plan and conservation strategy (SRAK) of helmeted hornbill in Indonesia.

This SRAK document is published under the Ministerial Decree of MOEF No.

SK.215/MENLHK/KSDAE/KSA..2/5/2018 concerning on National Action Plan and Conservation Strategy

of Helmeted Hornbill in Indonesia 2018-2028. This document will serve as the legal framework as well as

the main guidance for the implementation of helmeted hornbill conservation strategy in Indonesia.

2. Threats in Conserving the Helmeted Hornbill

2.1 Threats faced in helmeted hornbill conservation

Deforestation

Changes in forest area function, deforestation and forest degradation followed by habitat destruction have

always been the principal threats to the existence of any species in Indonesia. The main drivers of forest

conversion in Indonesia include land clearing, subsistence agriculture, oil palm expansion, production

forests and mining (Wijaya et al., 2015). Forest degradation has left only about 30% of primary forest area

in Indonesia (FAO/RECOFTC, 2016) and around 27.4 million hectares of primary and secondary dry land

considered as the ideal habitat remain for the helmeted hornbill in Sumatra and Kalimantan (Ministry of

Environment and Forestry, 2016).

Poaching

Even though the helmeted hornbill is categorized as protected species, hunting level of this species remains

high. In Sumatra, from 2014 to 2016 there were 32 and 16 cases of poaching recorded in Gunung Leuser

National Park and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park respectively. While in Kalimantan, especially in West

Kalimantan province, around 6000 adult hornbills were killed for their casques from 2012 to 2013.

Smuggling

Helmeted hornbills which are caught in their habitat will be sent over to small suppliers to large suppliers

through road, and then it will be exported to overseas through airway or sea. Medan (Kualanamu Airport)

and Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport) are known to be the critical exit points for illegal trade of helmeted

hornbill. The main destination of helmeted hornbill is China, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore

(Hadiprakarsa et al, 2013; Khrisnasamy et al., 2016). Besides, export of helmeted hornbill to overseas are

also conducted through road in Kalimantan, specifically West Kalimantan, designated to Kuching, Malaysia.

In the past few years, the Indonesian government has foiled attempts to smuggle specimens through several

international airports to and from Indonesia with 25 smuggling attempts involving a total of 1398 helmeted

hornbill casques foiled from 2011 to 2016. Furthermore, a total of 1291 helmeted hornbill casques, mostly

from West Kalimantan, were also seized by the authority in 2012 – 2016 period. The map shown below

is the location of arrests made in relation with the smuggling cases in Indonesia (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Map showing location of arrests related to illegal helmeted hornbill trade in

Indonesia

2.2 Challenges faced in helmeted hornbills conservation efforts

Trade route

The monitoring results of confiscations made by the authority revealed that helmeted hornbills were

mainly smuggled via Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport), Pontianak (Soepadio Airport), and

Medan (Kualanamu International Airport) (Baestall et al., 2016). Recent developments also saw many of

these species being smuggled to Bali to be made into handicrafts/carving artworks, the final products of

which were shipped out of the island along with other handicrafts, complicating detection process

(Hadiprakarsa, unpublished data).

Modus operandi

The protection of natural resources and ecosystem in Indonesia is regulated in Law No. 5 of 1990. Passed

into law 27 years ago, this regulation has been the main legal framework for conservation in the fight

against wildlife crimes in Indonesia. However, these specific crimes have evolved considerably in almost

three decades since the law was enacted with various modus operandi and never-before-seen methods

such as online trade now being the norm. The current law is seen as insufficient to respond to this and

needs to be amended if it is to tackle wildlife crimes effectively. Furthermore, issues related to weak

deterrent effects from sanctions imposed as well as law enforcement authorities are also important to

address and be accommodated into the amendment.

Research

Research and monitoring underlie various helmeted hornbill conservation actions. Lack of information

about the differences in variations in Sumatran and Kalimantan helmeted hornbills, both morphologically

and genetically, as well as reproductive behaviors of this species in nature, is one of the obstacles found

in developing helmeted hornbill conservation activities in Indonesia.

Awareness raising and cultural issues

Helmeted hornbill shares a strong bond with local cultures and beliefs in Indonesia, however the

awareness of its important role in the ecosystem is rather limited. With the number so low in the wild,

every bird counts and therefore, this cultural issue can be a modality to strengthen this species protection

from any utilization of its parts and to keep them alive in the wild.

3. Conservation Measures: The Action Plan and Conservation Strategy for the Helmeted Hornbill in Indonesia

In line with CITES Resolution mandate, the Indonesian Government and its partners have developed the

National Strategy and Action Plan for the Helmeted Hornbill Conservation in Indonesia or SRAK, from

2018 to 2028. The SRAK is aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of the species in nature. Efforts to

optimize the protection of the species’ relatively large population were prioritized based on its long-term

viability as well as taxonomic and ecological uniqueness. One focus in these efforts is through habitat

management both within and outside of existing conservation areas by embracing all relevant stakeholders

in the process, include natural forest logging concession companies.

The SRAK is strengthened with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Decree (SK.215/ MENLHK/

KSDAE/KSA.2/5/2018) on the SRAK of Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) in Indonesia 2018-2028. The

SRAK as a whole will also serve as the legal umbrella and main reference in helmeted hornbill conservation

efforts in Indonesia. It will also set an example for other countries where helmeted hornbill habitat and

distribution areas are also found.

In general, the helmeted hornbill conservation management can be elaborated into five management

strategies and programs (Figure 2):

A. Helmeted hornbill population and habitat management;

B. Regulation and policy;

C. Partnership and cooperation in supporting helmeted hornbill conservation in Indonesia;

D. Communication and awareness raising in the community on helmeted hornbill conservation in

Indonesia;

E. Funding support for helmeted hornbill conservation.

National Action Plan and Conservation Strategy of Helmeted

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Outputs/Outcomes

Awareness of

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Sustainable

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Support from

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Allocation of

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Figure 2. Strategies and outcomes/outputs of SRAK Helmeted Hornbill

3.1 The Helmeted Hornbill’s Population and Habitat Management

The strategy and program in the management of helmeted hornbill population and habitat are undertaken

to address the issue of minimal information about the species that may hamper conservation programs.

A.1 Increase the number of researches and monitoring in a bid to support helmeted hornbill

conservation

This first strategy comprises research activities to accelerate the data gathering on the ecology and

behavior, distribution, population, genetics, food type, reproduction, ethno-ornithology, conservation

status and priority habitat of the helmeted hornbill. The data obtained from this research will help the

managing parties with the knowledge on how to manage conservation in accordance with the threat level

and issues afflicting the species and its habitat. It is expected that through this priority research

intervention, the ever-increasing hunting threats can see a declining trend. One of the priorities of this

study is DNA forensics that can be useful to trace the source of illegally traded casques. In addition,

monitoring of helmeted hornbill poaching and trade of should also be undertaken.

In addition to long-term researches, surveys and monitoring also need be conducted to determine the

helmeted hornbill occurrence and the state of its habitat. This research will also provide information on

threats to the species and other issues related to its viability. To facilitate this long-term research, a

research station in the remaining habitat patches in Sumatra and Kalimantan that includes helmeted

hornbill as a research priority is needed. Another important priority is to use a standard methodology in

the management and dissemination of helmeted hornbill data and information that have been and will be

collected by different parties. This methodology standardization is needed to ensure the integration of

data and information. Furthermore, information collected periodically should be published through various

scientific journals, the media, and at scientific meetings both at national and international levels.

A.2 Improve helmeted hornbill conservation activities in its original habitat as the main activity of saving

the species

One contributing factor in the disappearance of helmeted hornbill habitat is poor spatial planning stemming

from lack of understanding of the species’s ecological functions and its habitat requirements. To address

this, habitat protection is set to play a central role in the management of helmeted hornbill’s in-situ

conservation and is given special attention in this strategy. This strategy also aims to enable all stakeholders

to work together in monitoring the management of the bird and its habitat, not only at the national level

but also at the provincial and local level.

As far as the helmeted hornbill is concerned, fragmented habitats can still provide resources to support

its population in nature. However, efforts to minimize the impacts of development in the forestry sector

and outside of it should always be high on the agenda, and to this end, the business sector’s involvement

in conservation is crucial. In addition, the carrying capacity of the remaining helmeted hornbill habitat

needs to be improved through rehabilitation and restoration. One effort to expand the habitat and

distribution of helmeted hornbill is through the construction of wildlife corridors between existing forest

plots.

Furthermore, new breakthroughs are needed and existing policies, especially those related to protected

wildlife conservation need to be re-evaluated. Production forests for example, are ideally included in

biodiversity conservation efforts as they also play a crucial role as the habitat for protected species such

as the helmeted hornbill. Conservation area managing entities should also have a good system of managing

rare and endangered wildlife to ensure their viability. In addition, by increasing their capacity beyond

sanctuary reserve and nature conservation area in helmeted hornbill conservation, relevant parties can

participate actively in managing the endangered bird’s habitat in areas under their responsibility and as

part of their management.

A.3 Develop ex-situ conservation as part of the support for helmeted hornbill’s in-situ conservation

Ex-situ conservation by institutions such as zoos or safari parks does not only help with conservation

efforts but also serves as a medium to educate and increase public awareness in helmeted hornbill

protection in Indonesia. As such, zoos and other similar institutions must be managed professionally so as

to play their optimal role in educating the public. Some of the steps ideally taken include advising,

monitoring and evaluating helmeted hornbill management at the zoos, especially with regards to animal

care and health. Additionally, considering that there are no ex-situ conservations for helmeted hornbill

yet, the strategy will prioritize the ex-situ management protocol of this species, taking into consideration

the requirement that ex-situ conservation development only involves live helmeted hornbills confiscated

in sting operations, and not those taken from the wild.

3.2 Regulation and Policy

B.1 Develop and advocate for the creation of protected areas (outside sanctuary reserve and nature

conservation area) based on the ecosystem characteristics, potential, spatial layout, legal status, and local

wisdoms

Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Living Resources and Its Ecosystems serves as the main legal

umbrella for species protection in Indonesia. This law is complemented by derivatives that set out species

protection and exploitation in details. These are Government Regulation No. 7 of 1999 on the

Preservation of Flora and Fauna, which includes thirteen types of hornbills in Indonesia under Bucerotidae

family, including the helmeted hornbill, on the list of protected species in Indonesia, and Government

Regulation No. 8 of 1999 on Wild Flora and Fauna Exploitation.

In addition to Law No. 5 of 1990, several other laws also play an important role in the protection of the

helmeted hornbill, one of which, relating to the protection of its habitat in the wild, is Law No. 26 of 2007

on Spatial Planning. In practice however, this national regulation is not effective enough to protect the

habitat and local regulations are needed to address this. But, in 2008 Indonesian government committed

to develop an ecosystem-based spatial planning which take into account the biodiversity conservation

when developing spatial planning both at provincial and district levels especially in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

As mentioned earlier, the helmeted hornbill’s habitats are often found outside of conservation areas, which

are vulnerable to land use changes. Given that this species has specific home characteristics, such as tall

trees with large branches, the protection of its habitat needs special attention. Policies that can pave the

way for the establishment of protection landscapes for this and other species need to be made, especially

for areas outside of the sanctuary reserve and nature conservation area, for example, through the

establishment of essential ecosystem areas (Kawasan Ekosistem Esensial – KEE). The establishment of such

protected areas is expected to address the ecological factors in micro-spactial arrangement, preserve local

characteristics and wisdoms, as well as gain the support of local governments and communities.

These policies will show the integrity of local governments in their roles and supports in legally

implementing helmeted hornbill conservation endeavors. With these policies, it is hoped that the

implementation of habitat and species management according to the national action plan can be facilitated,

especially in terms of enforcing conservation regulations.

B.2 Improve the implementation and refine various legal regulations to support the success of helmeted

hornbill conservation

One key to the success of helmeted hornbill conservation is determined by the support of formal policies

and regulations. This component is dynamic and must be adapted to the ever-changing world. Some of

the things that can be the focus of this strategy are:

(1) Advocate for the revision or renewal of existing laws; and

(2) Improve the implementation of legislation on helmeted hornbill protection.

One of the most urgent updates concerns Law No. 5 of 1990. As mentioned earlier, the many loopholes

in this 27-year-old law render it no longer relevant with the current reality and the modus operandi of

wildlife crimes faced in Indonesia today. As such, updating the contents of this law is crucial to ensure not

only habitat protection, but also stricter law enforcement in the hope that the law will be more effective

as a deterrent as people with ill intentions will consider this type of crimes as high-risk undertaking.

Crimes against wildlife have been incorporated under the category of transnational organized crime (TOC)

which means that they are closely related to various other crimes, such as corruption and money

laundering. To be able to deal with it more effectively, more integrated approaches are needed as

conventional ones are insufficient. One possible approach to prevent and combat these crimes is the multi-

door approach, through which environmental crimes are dealt with not only using laws that are related

to the environment but also those outside of it such as plantation, cyber-crime, or corruption laws, money

laundering laws and so on.

Cooperation and coordination with other entities and institutions also need to be done effectively to

strengthen law enforcement process. One such cooperation can be forged with research institutes to

conduct helmeted hornbill forensic research in order to support law enforcement against illegal trade of

this species. Mainstreaming helmeted hornbill conservation aspects also needs to be considered and

incorporated into policy-making processes in development and spatial sectors to protect and maintain

helmeted hornbill habitats from changing land uses and other threats.

In order to support effective law enforcement in the field, various trainings are especially needed for

parties stationed at identified hotspots for the entry and exit points of trafficked animals, such as the

Customs and Excise, Quarantine and Airport Security Officers. One activity that can be done is the training

of species identification. In addition, prevention measures should also be undertaken by conducting routine

patrols with relevant law enforcement officers in the areas identified as helmeted hornbill’s habitat.

3.3 Partnership and Cooperation in Supporting Helmeted Hornbills Conservation in Indonesia

C.1 Develop partnerships with different parties at national and international levels for the management

of helmeted hornbills with stakeholders

A partnership mechanism needs to be developed to ensure SRAK implementation. In response to this,

the Indonesia Hornbill Conservation Forum will be established in the hope that it can help spur SRAK

implementation pace at local levels and evaluate achievement outcomes annually.

Conserving helmeted hornbills with the involvement of diverse stakeholders requires an adaptive

management approach. Collaborative management is seen as an option in long-term partnership

management. This type of management is considered as the most suitable option based on problems that

exist and high stakeholder diversity. As such, the development of collaborative management in hornbill

conservation needs to be supported. Collaborative management was also adopted in Forestry Minister's

Regulation No. P.19/Menhut-II/2004 on collaboration in conservation areas, though some adjustments

need to be made in its implementation. Collaborative multi-party management, it is believed, will make

the efforts in helmeted hornbill protection more effective. In addition, Indonesia's international role in

helmeted hornbill conservation efforts can be strengthened through its participation in initiatives and

meetings at the international level.

C.2 Improve the role and empowerment of communities in the conservation of helmeted hornbill

Helmeted hornbill conservation efforts in partnership with local communities should be undertaken within

a community-based natural resources management framework. This approach should benefit both the

stakeholders and the helmeted hornbill. Community’s participation is vital to ensure conservation goals

achievement. In practice, local people’s involvement can be found in the efforts to protect/safeguard

helmeted hornbill’s habitats and in the fight against hunting and trading of this species, e.g. through their

participation in the helmeted hornbill, Sumatran tiger and Sumatran elephant Monitoring and Protection

Unit.

On the other hand, leveraging traditional wisdom in managing helmeted hornbill conservation is also

needed. People living and residing in and around the helmeted hornbill’s habitat have their own customary

rules and local wisdom to protect the forests, which can support protection efforts to be more effective

and efficient. Improving the role of customary rules and village regulations is crucial to the success of

helmeted hornbill’s habitat protection.

3.4 Communications and Community Awareness of Helmeted Hornbills Conservation in Indonesia

D.1 Increase the awareness of the community and stakeholders to increase commitment on the

importance of helmeted hornbill conservation efforts in Indonesia

Conservation education and environmental awareness need to be enhanced to achieve changes in

community’s behavior towards helmeted hornbill conservation. Raising community’s awareness will help

them understand the ecological services that the helmeted hornbill provides and its wider ecological

interaction with the forest ecosystem.

With the enhanced knowledge following their involvement in conservation education and environmental

awareness activities, local communities are expected to understand the important benefits gathered from

interaction between human beings, existing forests and helmeted hornbills in life as elements that create

equilibrium in the ecosystem. Several aspects need to be developed to support this strategy, the main

thing being the enhancement of quality and increment of quantity of helmeted hornbill conservation

awareness raising and educational activities at various levels in Indonesia. Additionally, engagement to the

local community in supporting helmeted hornbill is needed.

3.5 Funding Support for Helmeted Hornbills Conservation

Funding is one of important elements in helmeted hornbill conservation efforts. It can be sourced both

from overseas (grants, loans), and internally by optimizing funding provided from within the country

(APBN, APBD, and private sector). The funding strategy to support helmeted hornbill conservation

activities includes the following major activity:

E.1 Enhance and clarify the role of the national government, local governments and NGOs in terms of

funding supports from domestic and foreign institutions for the conservation of the helmeted hornbill

As stipulated in Law No.5 of 1990, helmeted hornbill conservation efforts are the responsibility of all

layers of the society. Therefore, supports from all stakeholders are very important. As mandated, the

central government as the Management Authority together with the local governments act as the key

stakeholders and regulators. Both the central and local governments can support activities by allocating

regular funds from the APBN (national state budget) and the APBD (provincial budget) in their Annual

Working Plan.

Funding through NGOs and private parties can also be used to strengthen helmeted hornbill conservation.

Non-binding foreign (donor) support is a potential option that can serve as an alternative for all parties

to develop long-term funding mechanism. Other stakeholders should also work together to support, seek,

manage and build a lasting funding system for helmeted hornbill conservation.

4. CONCLUSIONS

The SRAK of Helmeted Hornbills is comprehensive measures which integrating common objectives,

approaches, different stakeholders’ interests and policies into broader efforts to strengthen conservation

of hornbills in Indonesia.

The SRAK documents provides guidance on improve stakeholder’ engagement, legislation reforms,

scientific practices, fundings and learning process. At the heart of all efforts to achieve successful

conservation on hornbills, particularly helmeted hornbills are finding ways of reaching strong commitments

from all of the stakeholders. This will assist the process of enabling the implementation of SRAK in all

levels.

5. REFERENCES

Beastall, C., C. R. Shepherd, Y. Hadiprakarsa, and D. Martyr. 2016. Trade in the Helmeted Hornbill

Rhinoplax vigil: the ‘helmeted hornbill’. Bird Conservation International 26:137-146.

Bennett, E. L., A. J. Nyaoi, and J. Sompud. 1997. Hornbills Buceros spp. and culture in northern Borneo: Can

they continue to co-exist? Biological Conservation 82:41-46.

FAO/RECOFTC. 2016. Forest landscape restoration in Asia-Pacific forests, by Appanah, S. (ed.). Bangkok,

Thailand.

Gamble, C.K. 2007. Internal anatomy of the hornbill casque described by radiography, contrast radiography, and

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