John Wompere Cultivates 80,000 Agarwood Trees

Why this is here: John Wompere and his group have successfully propagated over 80,000 agarwood trees, primarily the native Aquilaria filaria species, contributing to both ecological restoration and local economic opportunities.

In Kampung Imbari, Biak Numfor, Indonesia, John Wompere has cultivated agarwood trees for over two decades, starting from curiosity and developing it into a conservation-based livelihood. Alongside the Sadar Sendiri Forest Farmers Group, John successfully propagated roughly 80,000 agarwood trees, primarily Aquilaria filaria, earning him the 2014 Kalpataru award.

John sees value in all parts of the agarwood tree. He processes leaves, fruit, and bark into herbal oils, tea, and other byproducts as part of a circular economy. Despite limited tools and support, he believes agarwood is an ecological investment—maintaining land cover, improving soil, and protecting the village’s water sources.

Currently, John produces about 200 liters of distilled oil from agarwood leaves monthly from trees planted starting in 2003. He continues to share seedlings and seeks partnerships to expand production, believing that agarwood can provide a sustainable livelihood without harming the forest. The work is ongoing, as John hopes to see more people understand agarwood’s value beyond its wood.