The training applied a combination of learning and reflection process. Various methods such as presentation, group work, movie, games, simulation and village visit were used to ensure the participants will reach the targets. In the beginning of the training, the participants were asked the importance of development. Each participant made two pictures. First picture represents the existing condition of the village where they have been living, and another picture represents the ideal village of a successful development. Sustainable development means development will also meet the needs of the future generations where a long term time perspective of development goal i key. Therefore, a sufficient time was spent for the participants to learn about BOT (behavior over time diagram) to picture the behavioral change needed toward sustainable development.
The second session as held in Aceh Besar from the 3rd to 7th January 2010, conducted in Banda Aceh. In this session the participants learned the concept of Ecological Carrying Capacity, to understand that nature has limits in supporting our life. Through the lecture, the participants identified that we often exceeded the ecological carrying capacity by exploiting our nature. Toward sustainable development, we need to change the way we, consume less and keep the quality of life, although it is a challenge.
In the training, participants learned Herman Daly Laws of Sustainability, which related to non renewable resources, renewable resources, and waste, that human use and produce. The participants shared their view of the worst scenario of what might happened in 2070 when existing life style do not change, and how different perspective applied in different actions. Using a documentary film which told the story of Chico Mendes, Mendes, Brazilian rubber tapper, unionist and environmental activist the participants can learn the story of protecting the rights of rubber tappers against the invasion of cattle ranchers and how it has affected the sustainability of Brazil’s rain forest. From this film the participants had a new understanding how our perception toward nature will determine our actions to nature and how our experience (history) brings different behavior. The implications of using native products will go hand in hand with the effort to sustainable development and to ensure the future of the next generation. From the movie, the participants also learn that saving the environment is also an effort to fight for humanity. As Chico Mendes once told, “At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rainforest. Now I realize I am fighting for humanity.”
In the end of the second training, participants had the visioning session. They shared their vision of successful sustainable development in their village. Each one’s vision was formulated in the reflection book. As homework activity the participants need to analyze the situation in their village that can make sustainable development works in their villages. The homework will be discussed in the third training in Aceh Besar from 26-29 January 2010.
This is a part of the whole activities of BLP – supported by LEAD International - to develop the future leaders of NAD, who understands the importance of sustainable development. By the end of the program, it is expected that there will be 90 trained Acehnese, who will be the future leaders in their villages, equipped with more knowledge on the right directions of development that meet the needs of the future generations.
Testimony from the participants
Zaiyina Riza, 24 years old
From Aceh Besar. Teacher of Atap Lampat Kindergarten.
“From this training I have gained so much knowledge. I never thought that the world have suffered so much from global warming. And what shocked me the most is that in another three or four years, there’s a possibility we’ll be running out of oil. But BLP’s training has taught me so many things to help me create a lifestyle that is more environmental friendly so I can be apart of the sustainable development.”
Novayani Rusli, 22 years old
From Jigli, Pidie. Student of Jabal Gafur University.
“I think BLP’s training is amazing. I have been through several trainings, but never gain as much knowledge as BLP’s training. It has opened my eyes to a wider perspective on environment and sustainable development issues. Based on the lesson given, now I have more targets for my future and what I can do to support sustainable development. I have learnt to apply the concepts of sustainable development in my daily lives.
The most exciting thing is that now I have more confidence in myself. I applied an internship programme concerning global environmental issues to United State. The result will be announced in the end of the month, but I am already glad that applied for the internship. I will never have the courage to do it, If I have not participated in BLP training.”
