Dear Friends,
The Project has been gaining traction since I left Bali two months ago. With anticipation I shall be returning to Ubud on August 8 to continue the momentum.
* The Project has been invited to join the Governing Assembly of Bali's Cultural Heritage. This Assembly oversees and implements protection + monitoring policies for the Unesco World Heritage Sites in Bali. The designated sites are subak and there exists a mutual interdependency between sawah + subak. The Project will be working closely with these gifted and committed academics and policy experts.
* This summer the General Assembly will be conducting a comparative study of the Vermont Land Trust's work in the USA over the past 25 years. This will be a SWOT study and will gauge feasibility of the conservation tools used in the USA to protect farmland. It will also give the Assembly the data of how Vermont restructured its agricultural base with niche food products to benefit the farmers economically. The USA partners are very excited to share their economic data/programmatic narrative/organizational format and their input will be invaluable. The VLT and VHCB (Vermont Housing + Conservation Board) represent the top professionals in the conservation field and they conduct their work with a lot of heart.
* Since there is no legal entity recognized as a "trust" in Indonesian law, it has been
decided that a "yayasan" (foundation) will suffice for incorporation. The mission of preservation + conservation will still be applicable as the Project will hold no "real property". Further legal investigation with regards to Indonesian property law needs to be explored and clarified.
*Valuable partnerships have been made and I return to Bali to strengthen those and
continue to make strategic new ones. With the incumbent Governor re-elected the timing appears to be Now .
This is just a beginning and thus far it has been fortuitous. The story has a prelude and needs a large cast of characters. This will be a wholly managed and controlled Balinese yayasan. First on my agenda as I return will be to gather a dynamic team of people with skills commensurate with the Project's start up. Enthusiastic individuals who can offer skills in project management, accounting, communications + PR + web design, community organizing and capacity building, grant writing,etc will be welcomed. And those who have life skills......please share and join.
It is my hope that permanent salaried positions will be offered to those who excel in their work. This is a start up and the path will likely be as one walks a rice paddy;
slow and steady and circuitous.
I will be in touch with each of you, for each of you possess a particular pearl of wisdom with your information and network .
I value your feedback and suggestions + feel free to SHARE this Update!
Salam Hangat,
Phiphi (Phyllis Kaplan)
Logo design by Indonesian designer Kurniawana
travelin' woman
Very impressed with your efforts, Phiphi. It appears you are doing a wonderful thing for both Indonesian farmers and environmental land conservation.
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