Covering 58 hectares, the Darmaga Research Forest is an important site for researching the introduction of new species, practicing new forestry techniques, as a source for germ-plasm and as a home to a range of animal and plant species.

It contributes to the important role forests around the world play in reducing global warming. And in addition to its research and environmental uses, the Darmaga Research Forest adds great beauty to the environs of Bogor and is a wonderful source of recreation for locals and visitors.

Sadly, recent years have seen the research forest facing increasing urban pressure through local population growth and the sale of nearby rural land for residential projects. To help ensure the forest's survival, the Ministry and CIFOR developed a tree adoption program that encourages local residents, as well as CIFOR staff, to take 'ownership' of individual trees within the forest.

The program encourages people who care about the environment to contribute a donation towards adopting the trees to help ensure they continue to remain strong and healthy in the face of encroaching urbanization. The tree adoption program is especially aimed at encouraging the people living nearby to care for the forest. With greater community participation in the caring and protection of the Darmaga research forest, it will remain an important research site, a vital home to many plants and animals and remain a wonderful source of recreation.

CIFOR is supporting the adoption program by contributing US$5,000 to local community groups so they can adopt trees and take an active part in protecting the environment. Additionally a number of CIFOR staff and Members of CIFOR's Board of Trustees have also put their hands in to their pockets to adopt trees. In return, adopters get a plaque on the tree of their choice, a guarantee from the Ministry that the tree will be well-maintained for the next five years, a certificate of adoption and periodical updates on the tree's progress.

CIFOR's Director General, Dr David Kaimowitz, said CIFOR was proud to assist its neighbouring communities protect the local forest for future generations. "Imagine living in a world where children don't know what a forest is? It's a frightening scenario, but one that could happen in the near future. We must protect the world's forests today if our children and our grandchildren are to live in a world where forests still help reduce poverty and provide important environmental services," Kaimowitz said.

If you would like to inquire about adopting a tree please contact Mr. Sopari Wangsadidjaja MM, Forestry Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Management Office, Badan Litbang Kehutanan, Jl. Gunung Batu No. 5, Bogor 16610, Phone: 0251 639059 Fax: 0251 638111.