Sustainable Society Papua-Barat Foundation (SDSP)

About us

The Papua Barat Sustainable Society Foundation (SDSP), founded in 1995, believes in an integrated strategy to provide the population of West Papua with tools for a good future. The SDSP aims to realize an integral program in which the practical and project-based approach to local initiatives, the increase of self-reliance and cooperation with commercial counterparts come together. The role of the SDSP is that of initiator and inspiring pacesetter.

Mission
The Sustainable Society Papua Barat Foundation (SDSP) aims to build a sustainable society in the interior of West Papua in cooperation with the local population, the responsible authorities and reliable partners. In this, optimal preservation of one's own identity and culture is central, within the great diversity of cultures in Indonesia. Care for health, education, housing, agriculture, forestry and nature conservation are organized in an efficient and effective manner. Attention is paid to the balance between developments in the micro sphere and developments at the macro-economic level in Indonesia.

Vision
The long-term perspective that we have in mind in our activities is a sustainable society, in which the original inhabitants are independently able to ensure stable economic growth in a safe environment and can provide for their own basic needs in the medical, educational and ecological fields.
Sustainability and cooperation are key concepts in the SDSP mission. We strive for this by, among other things, using the following principles:
• we focus on the people and the well-being of the indigenous population in the interior;
• the initiative for our actions should come from the local population. In doing so, we strive to achieve optimum awareness of problems and risks through signaling, information, etc.;
• we only initiate projects if they have a positive effect on society and/or nature;
• we opt for an integrated approach, in which all relevant aspects (such as medical, educational, ecological and economic) are taken into account;
• we focus on the future generation. In practice this means that women and young people are given an important role in our projects.

Focus areas:
Biodiversity & Nature, Water & Sanitation, Integrated area development, Community development & Health, Education & Capacity building and Art & Culture.

Projects:
• Biodiversity & Agroforestry: The SDSP seeks partnerships with local governments and international conservation organizations to jointly protect parts of pristine rainforest or ocean from overdevelopment and pollution. We use the principles of sustainable and fair tourism as a common thread: small-scale, improving the well-being of the Papuans, protecting the environment and supporting traditional Papuan culture. Key points: Agroforestry; Sustainable tourism; Sustainable forest management and Waste processing.
• Community & Health: The SDSP focuses on improving basic health care conditions in West Papua. Examples include helping to set up mother and child health clinics, facilitating medical care and providing information on general health and hygiene. But there is also a lot of attention for water and sanitation. Key points: Water & Sanitation; Mother and child care; Support to Sorong Hospital; Ex-leprosy Sorong and AIDS control Sorong & Manokwari.
• Education & Capacity Building: The SDSP facilitates training, information meetings and education for local middle management, cooperatives and small-scale, local initiatives. In addition, the SDSP facilitates advice and information to Papuans in the field of land rights and the impact of granting concessions to large companies.
• Culture & Heritage: The SDSP supports projects that focus on the transfer, preservation or exhibition of tangible or intangible heritage, art, culture, crafts and traditional techniques from West Papua. The SDSP also manages a large art collection.

Wouter Bronsgeest is chairman of the Papua Barat Sustainable Society Foundation (SDSP).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.