Indonesia is included in two threatened biodiversity hotspots, Western Sunda and Wallacea. It has the highest number of Endemic Bird Areas as identified by Birdlife International. The country holds more than 35 of the world's 275 primate species, with 21 endemic species. Other important mammal key species include the critically-endangered Sumatran and the Javan rhinoceros. Indonesia's forests cover two-thirds of the country's area and are the nation's most valuable resources. Official Ministry of Forestry figures list the total area of forests as 120 million hectares of permanent forests (protection - 34 million ha; conservation - 20 million ha; and production - 58 million ha) and 8 million hectares as forests for conversion to agriculture purposes. The rest of the forest loss is not accurately known but was estimated as between 1-1.5 million hectares a year in the period 1985-1997. Wetland and marine habitats and species face the same threats as forests. Marine, coastal and wetland ecosystems are also particularly vulnerable to activities outside their boundaries. Population growth and economic conditions in the country worsen the uncontrolled resource use. In view of these problems, National Biodiversity Reference Unit in Indonesia, in collaboration with ARCBC, conducted the Training Needs Assessment Workshop.

Total of 40 participants representing various government institutions, non-government organizations' research institutions, as well as universities in Indonesia

Main training materials include biology (animal identification and plant determination); ecology; conservation education; tourism/ecotourism, trade, cultural and laws. Training materials do not meet with the issues in the field. Biodiversity Related Training Available Degree course on forestry, biology, biology conservation, environmental science, ecology community, coastal and marine science are available. Certificates on environmental impact assessment, coastal management training, forest rangers, and watershed management are also offered. Protected area management trainings for managers, rangers, community and community leaders and educators are also being implemented. Training needs for biological diversity conservation in Indonesia were identified specifically the topics, target groups and institutional organizers For more information, contact training@arcbc.org or Dr. J. Sugardjito, National Biodiversity Reference Unit-Indonesia at ffi@indo.net.id