Extending Successful Community-Based Forest
Management in response to Climate Change
Workshop Proceedings
Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 February, 2012
Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Opening Address
Professor Kumpiady Widen
Vice-Rector, University of Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Professor Widen emphasised the importance of the Dayak culture to the two million inhabitants of
Central Kalimantan. Education, research and an understanding of traditional wisdom will be
important in sustainable development of Central Kalimantan.
Introduction
Dr Paul McShane
Project Leader, Monash Sustainability Institute, Monash University, Australia
Project Aim: Identify and promote measures to reduce carbon emissions by extending communitybased forestry management practices to ASEAN member nations.
Project Objectives:
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Evaluation of case study examples of successful community-based forest management.
Build capacity in participating agencies for proactive land use and land change forestry.
Strengthen participating institutions to respond proactively to reduce deforestation and
forest degradation (REDD+) opportunities.
Previous workshops as part of this activity had identified unresolved issues associated with REDD+
and land use, land use change forestry (LULUCF). These include:
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land tenure/governance
legal and regulatory frameworks
financial mechanisms/taxation
rights and inclusion of local/indigenous communities
definitions (measurement, reporting, verification (MRV))
valuation of non-market services
incentives
rent seeking
role of the private sector.
Monash’s approach has been to develop a knowledge
management approach whereby information is collected
and shared uniformly across participants in the policy
development/implementation process. A lack of
collaboration/co-ordination has frustrated delivery of
desired outcomes (e.g. sustainable development for
poverty reduction). Understanding of central policy
objectives (e.g. REDD) at local community level (bottom
up) is essential for adoption as is the understanding of
community needs at central government level (top down).
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The aim of this final workshop is to address the unresolved issues in a comparative evaluation of
community-based forest management undertaken in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and
Indonesia. This comparative evaluation will be used for policy briefs for consideration by relevant
government agencies. Recommendations for responses to climate change will be made
considering REDD+ and LULUCF.
Summary of Presentations
Mr Hoang Lien Son
Forest Science Institute, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Community forest management in Vietnam: a policy and governance perspective
Vietnam’s forests occupy some 40 per cent of its land area. Under community-based forest
management initiatives, the government has allocated forest to communities under contract.
Community-based forest management (CBFM) is undertaken by families, by villages and by sociopolitical organisations. 1,203 communes occupying 146 districts across 24 provinces have CBFM.
Unresolved issues include long-term ownership of the forests. Under CBFM, land is allocated for
50 years (renewable dependent on satisfactory compliance to CBFM protocols). Sharing of
benefits is well defined with revenue from harvested timber distributed among stakeholders
(community, government, management). Local livelihood activities include non-timber forest
products. An important benefit is recognition of cultural identity, spiritual and local needs and
community cohesion. Even so, there are limitations with the legal status of community forestry
unclear. There is also competition for forest land-use between the community and forestry
companies. There are no policies on beneficial rights of communities from forests. However,
under CBFM, there are strong disincentives for illegal logging because of common ownership. A
participatory approach encourages conservative behaviour.
Dr Niken Sakuntaladewi
Ministry of Forestry, Jakarta, Indonesia
Community-based forest management, Indonesia
Case studies of community based forest management from central and east Java (Indonesia) were
presented. The government has provided forest within
state forest for community use. Under this initiative, some
6,200 people representing 1,688 households participate in
community-based
forest
management
including
livelihoods such as fish farming, live stock and non-timber
forest products. Benefit sharing between the community
and the national park also includes potential REDD+
activities. Under community use, no wages are paid to
participants in community-based forest management
(CBFM) but access to trees is provided which is beneficial
to women in particular.
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Under the pilot CBFM scheme, rehabilitation of 400 ha of degraded forest land with fruit tree
plantings provides secure tenure, sustainable livelihoods and government support. General
administration, taxation, and financial mechanisms remain to be further developed.
Mr Sulmin Gumiri
Department of Aquatic Resources Management, the University of Palangka Raya,
Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
The forest and sustainable inland fisheries in Central Kalimantan
Forests play an important role as water catchments. Central Kalimantan has high annual rainfall,
so wetland forests are prominent with up to 6 m water level variation (wet to dry season). Forests,
including riparian vegetation, provide nutrients for important fisheries. Characteristically, the peat
lands of Central Kalimantan provide humic material which darkens inland waters such that little
primary production occurs. Yet, high dissolved organic carbon (> 40 mg/l) is provided from runoff.
This supports high fish diversity and productivity. Macrophytes play an important part in habitat
structure supporting abundant zooplankton communities which provide a rich food source for fish
populations. In this way forest and inland water ecosystems function to maintain valuable
fisheries accessible to local communities. However, ecosystem function is threatened by climate
change, habitat degradation (land clearing) and water pollution (illegal gold mining,
eutrophication). An integrated approach to ecosystem management (including forestry) is
required for sustainable water and land management.
Ms Rachma Safitri
Indonesia-Australia Forest Carbon Partnership, Kalimantan Forest Climate Partnership
KFCP update on Village Agreements & Work Packages
Under reduced deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) scheme trials, as part of the
Kalimantan Forest Climate Partnership (KFCP), activities are taking place at village level in the
district of Kapuas in Central Kalimantan. This involves a community approach with co-ordination
between district and sub-district levels. Seven villages are participating in the trials designed to
improve livelihoods for communities and to restore degraded peat lands. Under the trials, work
packages are negotiated between the KFCP and the villages. Village agreements involve common
goals, terms and conditions. Activities pursuant to REDD+ trials are overseen by an activity
management team (TPK) which ensures that benefits and information are distributed to the
community. Importantly, the legal status and customary
rights of villages are protected. Monitoring of activities (to
determine compliance and progress towards REDD+) is an
important component as is awareness raising at
community level. Field schools for rubber farmers (an
alternative livelihood) assist in this regard. Payment to
villages is dependent on a verification report with simple
milestones (e.g. numbers of seedlings produced, planted
and grown). Special attention is provided to women’s
groups and other vulnerable groups for involvement in the
REDD+ trials.
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Mr Hong Kimhean
Deputy Director of Reforestation Office, Forestry Administration, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Community-based forest management, Cambodia
Forest resources are important to the Cambodian people. Some 25 per cent of the population live
in the forest or within 30 km of the forest. Forests provide fuel, construction timber, and meet
cultural/spiritual needs. The total number of community forests in Cambodia is 428. Of these, 281
get licences from the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture (MAFF). Understanding of
community forestry by local people remains poor. Migration of people into community forests is
also a problem, as is overlap of forestry with other land concessions (e.g. agriculture). Distance to
major markets (Phnom Penh) is also a problem. Other challenges include: ongoing degradation of
forest land; lack of a management plan; competition among communities; and illegal logging.
Community forest development is closely linked to national forest land-use planning. Even so,
efficient use of forest resources is low. Further needs include: the development of a national
forest land use plan to provide for community-based forest management; greater efficiency and
productivity in community forests; capacity building and awareness raising among local people;
and support for alternative sources of energy (other than burning timber e.g. biogas).
Mr Bismart Ferry Ibie
Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Palangka Raya
Review on community forestry in Central Kalimantan (progress and its challenges)
Village or community forests in the districts of Pulang Pisau (19,000 ha); Kapuas (24,000 ha); and
Katingen (18,300 ha community forest, 20,000 ha village forest) provide for community-based
forest management (CBFM) responsive to REDD+ in Central Kalimantan. Challenges include: the
development of appropriate socio-economic frameworks; prevention of forest degradation and
deforestation from illegal logging; and land use tenure conflict. Here a link between central
government policy (e.g. REDD+) and local action requires: institutional structures at village level;
licence arrangements for community access to forests; and facilitation of business arrangements.
Effective socialisation at community level includes a communication strategy, awareness raising
and education. This could include training on CBFM. Distinction between ownership and access
rights is required to reduce land tenure conflicts and to promote REDD+.
Dr Laskar Muqsudur Rahman
Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
Community-based forest management in response to
climate change in coastal Bangladesh
Bangladesh comprises 17 per cent forest land, but actual
forest cover is only 10 per cent. Mangrove forest occupies
4 per cent. Saline intrusion threatens forests in coastal
areas.
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Adaptations to climate change in Bangladesh include: cyclone shelters; coastal embankments;
raised houses; rainwater harvesting (for dry season use); floating bed agriculture; raised vegetable
beds; use of water-logged rice fields for shrimp and fish farming; and use of salt-tolerant rice
varieties for agriculture. Mangrove forests and coastal forests more generally provide important
protection against cyclones, storm surge and flooding. Co-management initiatives in the
Sundarbans coastal wetland provides for fish, fruit, and forestry. Community-based forest
management, although under developed, is underway, governed by a management committee
with benefit sharing under a participatory approach.
Mr Nugroho Wienarto, Executive Director, and Mr Widyastama Cahyana
Farmers' Initiatives for Ecological Livelihoods and Democracy, Indonesia
Farmer field schools for sustainable agro-forestry and watershed management
The linkage of land and water management is an important driver of sustainable development and
ecosystem protection. Water quality reflects ecosystem health and potential payment for
ecosystem services can be linked to demand for adequate water quality (among other benefits to
end users). Examples from the Brantas watershed in East Java illustrate a sustainable livelihoods
framework including community development. Awareness raising and capacity building through
field schools can help with development and implementation of sustainable agro-forestry
consistent with traditional wisdom. An example of biogas utilisation (for cooking fuel) shows that
an integrated approach to resource management can be beneficial to communities and consistent
with sustainable development imperatives in Indonesia.
Dr Craig Thorburn
School of Geography & Environmental Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Tentative steps toward forest tenure reform in Indonesia
Forest tenure reform in Indonesia has been attempted since the 1930’s with little demonstrable
success. Comparisons with other forest-dependent nations show that rates of deforestation are
higher under government control (e.g. Indonesia, Cambodia) than under largely private control
(e.g. South America). In Central Kalimantan, nearly 4 million hectares of forest estate has
overlapping land use (mining, forestry, agriculture). Opportunities for strengthening the Ministry
of Forestry’s multi-stakeholder national forest council and its working group on tenure exist. A
system for identifying and recording customarily-owned forest areas should be developed.
Attempts at agro-forestry have been compromised by conflict
between farmers and foresters. Most people in Central
Kalimantan lack secure tenure, and therefore access to
forest lands. A long history of inequitable use of forests by a
minority elite frustrates progress towards community-based
forest management (CBFM) (including corrupt forest
concessions and corporate forest operations). True
collaboration between central government and local people
is required to drive CBFM.
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Dr Darmawan Liswanto
Programme Director, Fauna & Flora International, Jakarta, Indonesia
FFI, Conservation, Livelihood and REDD: Sustainable livelihoods of peat forest dependent
communities in West Kalimantan
Kapuas Hulu a district in West Kalimantan is important for hydrology and fisheries. Peat lands are
threatened by subsidence, floods, saline intrusion, illegal logging, and land clearing for agriculture.
Unproductive land can be developed through improved planting regimes and fisheries offer
sustainable development opportunities with improvements in quality (and therefore price).
Integration of forestry and forest garden activities (including honey production) can be developed
through appropriate management schemes. However, payment systems have not been developed
(for community-based forest management). Global carbon markets, which can provide incentives
for aforestation, may not be consistent with community needs (communities may be
disempowered through REDD+).
Professor M. Gopinath Reddy
Centre for Economic & Social Studies, Nizamiah Observatory, Begumbet, Hyderabad, India
Community Based Forest Management in India: Key challenges
Joint forest management initiatives in India have been underway for centuries. Transformation of
these initiatives into community-based forest management (CBFM) requires a change from top
down (at forest department level) to a participatory approach (at local community level). CBFM
involves the sharing of benefits and responsibilities for regeneration of degraded forest lands.
Widespread rural and tribal poverty results from privatisation of common property resources in a
non-equitable manner. Accordingly, the state monopolises forest resources so that they can be
made available to specific private industries. In 2006, 21.4 million ha were under joint forest
management (JFM). Of this, 99,868 joint forest management committees covered about 125,000
villages on the forest fringes. About 22 million ha of largely natural degraded forest are being
managed and rehabilitated under participatory JFM involving 170,000 forest fringe villages.
Development of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (recognition of forest
rights) Act (the FRA Act) grants extensive rights to local forest users. However, there remains
conflict between control by the Forest Department and local communities which is at the expense
of CBFM development. Under the Green India Mission and the National Action Plan for climate
change, an objective is to increase forest and tree cover in 5 million ha and to improve the quality
of forest cover in a further 5 million ha. A review of
policies relating to land tenure is required. For REDD+ to
be effectively implemented, a change in applicable
legislation is required.
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Dr. Doddy S. Sukadri
Secretary, LULUCF Working Group, Indonesia National Council on Climate Change
Safeguarding CBFM toward REDD implementation
Land use categories in Indonesia include: grasslands, croplands, wet-lands, settlement lands and
forest lands. Yet, a definition of a “forest” remains unclear. REDD+ includes enhancement of
carbon stocks in forest lands (hence the “+”). Additional benefits under REDD+ include
conservation of biodiversity and provision of environmental services. Other potential benefits
include community welfare particularly for customary or indigenous forest users. A requirement is
information on safeguards and community-based forest management (CBFM). Mechanisms for
provision of such information are yet to be identified. Resolution of land ownership versus land
access remains pivotal to CBFM.
Mr Grahame Applegate
Indonesia-Australia Forest Carbon Partnership, Kalimantan Forest Climate Partnership
Village consultation process for Village Agreements in KFCP
The consultative process under the REDD+ trial scheme in Kapuas, Central Kalimantan, involving
seven villages, is described. Village agreements are the first step towards establishing long lasting
institutions in REDD+ and can be used to manage and fund all range of future community-based
activities from livelihoods to village forests (Hutan desa). Opportunities and benefits are fairly
shared within and among villages and that local people’s rights and their environment are
protected. Under the Kalimantan Forest Climate Partnership (KFCP), methodologies for measuring
greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and the distribution of benefits will be
developed. Under the current arrangements, forests are managed as production forests, not
protection forests. Legal arrangements under the Indonesia Australia Forest Carbon Partnership
provides security of access responsive to REDD+ trials.
Ms Saritha Kittie Uda
Biology Education Study Program, Palangka Raya University, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Promoting ecosystem approach in peat-forest management: Environmental education strategy
in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Education is a key driver to promote an ecosystem approach in peat land management in
Central Kalimantan. Annual rates of deforestation in Central Kalimantan are more than 5 per cent.
Environmental education in Indonesia remains more widely spread in curricula. Surveys of
students reveal a lack of awareness of REDD. Most (> 60%) use the Internet to obtain information
relating to environmental management. Specific education modules are required to develop
understanding among the community about REDD and environmental protection more generally.
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Dr. Aswin, USUP
University of Palangka Raya, Central kalimantan, Indonesia
Master Plan of Hampangen Education Forest, University of Palangka Raya for the
implementation of REDD+ in Central Kalimantan
An opportunity exists to establish a centre of excellence relating to REDD and its implementation
in Central Kalimantan (and more broadly in Indonesia). The Hampangen forest occupies 5,000 ha
and is situated about 50 km from the capital of Central Kalimantan, Palangka Raya. It was
established under decree in 1993 and represents an alliance between the forestry department of
Katigen regency and the University of Palangka Raya. Current threats to the forest include: fire;
illegal logging; wood cutting; land tenure; and development interests. The establishment of an
education forest under a centre of excellence for REDD+ provides an opportunity for research and
education in community-based forest management.
Synthesis
Knowledge management
Central
agency
National
target
Program
Emissions reduction
Biodiversity conservation
Economic Development
Poverty Reduction
REDD+
Formal
knowledge
Governance
Spatial Plan
Local
government
Community
development
Alternative livelihoods
Conflict resolution
Security of access
Legal and regulatory framework
Monash Sustainability Institute
Traditional
wisdom
Culture
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The application of a knowledge management approach to unify understanding through central,
provincial, district and community level is an important driver of successful community-based
forest management.
The workshop discussion sessions addressed unresolved issues (see introduction) identified from
previous workshops and from collaborations among the participating organisations in this
Public Sector Linkage Program. Key points responsive to the unresolved issues are presented
below.
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LAND TENURE/GOVERNANCE
In Vietnam, land is formally allocated to the community. A limitation is that long-term ownership
of the forest remains to be resolved.
In Indonesia, some rights are given to local communities. This is best exemplified by the trial
REDD+ schemes in Central Kalimantan under the KFCP. Yet, access versus ownership remains
problematic given largely government control of forested lands.
In Cambodia, the link to national land use planning and community-based forest management is
potentially powerful but understanding of CBFM among local communities is poor.
In India, CBFM as part of Joint Forest Management provides for community access but conflict
among government and communities remains.
ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS FOR FOREST DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES
In Vietnam, local livelihoods from non-timber forest products are being developed.
In Indonesia, alternative livelihoods include rubber (e.g. KFCP), crab/fish/livestock (Java).
Migration into local communities as part of palm oil development remains problematic and
potentially in conflict with REDD+.
Field schools and education more generally are important in raising awareness of forest
conservation and sustainable development. The role of women in driving change is also important
in developing alternative livelihoods (consistent with REDD+).
LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS
In Vietnam, the government contracts communities to protect the forest. Even so, the legal status
of community forestry is unclear.
In India, the Forest Rights Act provides for customary use of forests including CBFM but conflict
remains over government control and the expense of CBFM. REDD+ requires a change in
legislation.
In Indonesia, the Forest Management Unit provides for a
legal framework for REDD+ but the regulations and laws
governing land use remain in conflict (e.g. mining versus
forestry).
FINANCIAL MECHANISMS/TAXATION
In Vietnam, there is explicit benefit sharing and distribution
of revenue from CBFM.
In Indonesia, under the KFCP REDD+ trials, payments are
made to communities upon verification of reforestation,
aforestation performance.
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In Bangladesh, benefit sharing occurs through co-management.
In India, financial mechanisms are controlled through Joint Forest Management and CBFM.
RIGHTS AND INCLUSION OF LOCAL/INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
In Vietnam, there are no policies on beneficial rights of communities. Many communities lack
resources to invest in forests.
In Cambodia, understanding of CBFM is poor and there is competition among other forest users
(including illegal logging).
In Indonesia, customary rights are protected under safeguards established under the KFCP REDD+
trials.
In India, scheduled tribes are recognised in legislation but not necessarily in practice.
VALUATION OF NON-MARKET SERVICES
Willingness to pay (for non-market services such as ecosystem protection) is still low in all
participating countries. It has been established that forest/water shed protection can improve
productivity and revenue from fisheries (Indonesia). Development of explicit valuation
mechanisms underpins REDD+, particularly as global carbon markets are developed.
RENT SEEKING UNDER REDD
In Vietnam, a participatory approach to CBFM is an incentive for positive group behaviour.
In Indonesia, the development of international carbon markets may disempower local
communities and this remains to be resolved under REDD+.
ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Partnerships are required consistent with a shared understanding of CBFM and REDD+. The
private sector remains crucial for effective (and sustainable) economic development of forests in
participating countries.
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE PARTICULARLY IN LULUCF
AND REDD+
The following recommendations arose from the discussion among workshop participants. They
draw on suggestions raised in response to the unresolved issues and they could form the basis of
policy briefs for governments interested in developing REDD+:
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Develop a rational land use approach to REDD and CBFM;
Adopt a Knowledge Management approach to encourage a shared understanding of policy
objectives from Central through Provincial District and Village levels;
Use Education/Field schools approach to raise awareness and to increase understanding;
Reinforce CBFM and REDD with clear and non-conflicting legislation;
Provide for ongoing incentives for REDD+ by linking to carbon compliance market;
Adopt a business approach to REDD to clearly define benefits at community level and to
reinforce incentives for compliance;
Reinforce safeguards to provide for customary use of forests and to protect the rights and
well being of local communities;
Utilise degraded land to improve productivity (including palm oil) for economic and social
benefit;
Explicitly price in impacts when weighing up land-use alternatives;
Empower local communities (legislation/explicit benefit sharing) for CBFM; and
Look to the next generation for behaviour change.
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