The project was completed. The grants provided local community with information and knowledge on how to preserve the environment from exploitation. SPKM?s original plan was to develop the community in five years, but based on their two year?s activities (in which overlooked potential problems were encountered, such as the local people asking for longer and more thorough decision making process, inadequate number of scientist who could stay longer in the area, etc.) indicate that further community development activities should be carried out to better prepare the villagers for their sustainable development activities in which the Sinaka community could improve their welfare as well as preserve their biodiversity. Consequently, further funding is also necessary.
In this case, sustainability of this project could more likely be attained through other external funding at this stage, as the community has not developed adequate income-generating activities that could sustain the project on a long-term basis.
Due to the geographic and budgetary limitations, communication between the program office in Jakarta and the project staff in Mentawai was also limited. However, it would appear that SPKM has attracted the attention of local Forestry Department Officials, and would probably be invited to collaborate in positive conservation efforts in the area.