About SEKALA
Sekala was formed in November 2005 in Bali, Indonesia.
What does SEKALA mean?
SEKALA has multiple meanings. In Bali, it represents the real & tangible. It is what you can sense, see, hear, smell and touch.
SEKALA is the opposite to NISKALA, which represents the intangible. NISKALA involves that which cannot be sensed directly, but which can only be felt within.
SEKALA also means scale in Indonesian. This meaning represents SEKALA's emphasis on landscapes, spatial analysis and community mapping.
Philosophy
Balinese philosophy embraces the principle that for every good, positive, constructive force, there is a counterbalancing evil, negative, destructive force. The two sides are inseparable. They must necessarily coexist, but preferably in dynamic equilibrium so that neither gets the upper hand. The principal efforts of Balinese are devoted to maintaining a balance between positive and negative forces. Equilibrium and balance are the key goals.
SEKALA adopts a similar philosophy. It aims to promote harmony and balance between human development needs and conservation needs. It also aims to combat destructive forces with constructive, innovative and realistic solutions.
Scope
SEKALA is currently working at three different levels:
1. National scale: SEKALA is working with a range of partners including the Ministry of Forestry, World Resources Institute and the World Bank on a Forest Monitoring and Assessment System.
2. Provincial/district scale: SEKALA is leading a consortium of organisations to carry out a Stategic Environmental Assessment for spatial planning in Papua province.
3. Local scale: SEKALA is helping local communities to carry out community mapping.
