This article introduces five research papers produced by Indonesia based on the achievements of the regional project on ‘Facilitating the Participatory Planning of Community Based Forest Management Using Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing Technologies in Forest Resources Management in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand’, which was implemented from 2014 to 2020. Read more about the project achievements in Indonesia in this ARTICLE.
AFoCO’s social forestry initiatives are aimed at promoting the sustainable use of forest resources while protecting forest resources and improving local livelihoods. A number of projects and activities have been implementing on the ground in member countries to encourage local communities to participate in sustainable forest management.
The regional project “Facilitating the participatory planning of community-based forest management using geographic information system and remote sensing technologies in forest resources management in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand (AFoCO/004/2014)” has concluded its five-year journey in 2020. The project was successfully completed with significant results and outcomes. Valuable data has also been collected from local communities in Indonesia to determine key considerations that have been taken into account during decision-making in order to maximize benefits from the forests under social forestry schemes and contribute to sustainable forest management.
The Forestry Research, Development and Innovation Agency (FOERDIA) of Indonesia has recently published a series of research articles about the project outputs, particularly on the impact of community forests and non-timber forest resources on livelihood improvement. Such research outputs are expected to serve as case studies that can contribute effectively to future capacity building activities in the AFoCO RETC. Factual information on social forestry obtained through the project can also provide valuable insight to support practical interventions in member countries in the future.
Promoting agroforestry model in increasing land cover to sustain community livelihood in Paru Village Forest (2020)
Authors: Dona Octavia and HH Rachmat
This article includes scientific observations and information gained from the enhancement of land cover in the Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) in Paru Village Forest in West Sumatra Province, one of the project sites.
The study introduced local tree species from the project experimental plots that have economic potency to sustain community livelihood. These include fruit trees and multi-purpose tree species such as dragon’s blood (Daemonorops draco), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), durian (Durio zibethinus), agarwood (Auricularia malaccensis), dog fruit/jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum), stink bean (Parkia speciosa), areca nut (Areca catechu), rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) and cinnamomum (Cinnamomum burmanii). Annual plant species were also planted in the experimental plots, i.e. ginger (Zingiber officinale), galangal (Alpinia galanga), and bulrush (Pennisetum purpureum). The results showed that the average survival rate was above 90% after a 12-month plantation. This high rate of survival was attributed to the community members’ high level of understanding of tending practices.
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Potency of diversity and utilization of rattan in Paru village forest, Sijunjung regency, West Sumatra)
Authors: Dona Octavia and NP Nugroho
This article emphasizes the potency of diversity and utilization of rattan, as one of the prime non-timber forest products (NTFP) in Paru Village. Rattan is one of the priority NTFPs in the forestry sector in Indonesia based on the Regulation of the Minister of Forestry No. 19 Year 2009. The study identified 17 rattan species, among which Jernang Rattan (Daemonorops draco Bl.) was found to be a potential non-timber forest product (NTFP) commodity for the community due to its wide uses – i.e. medicine, handicraft, dye, and resin, as well as its high value in the market. The study also introduced abundant rattan species such as Sikai Ratan (Calamus spp.), Ant Rattan (Daenonorops verticilliaris (Griff.) Mart.), and Shrimp Rattan (Calamus spectabilis Bl.).
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Inventory of non-timber forest product plant species in Paru Village Forest, Sijunjung, West Sumatra (2020)
Authors: Nunung Puji and Dona Octavia
This study was also conducted in Paru Village Forest aiming to identify 98 types of NTFPs available in the area that are being utilized as a source of food, medicine, handicraft material, dye, construction material, resin, customary ritual, and other necessities.
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Sustaining farmers livelihoods through community forestry in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia (2020)
Authors: Gerson Njurumana, K. Ginoga, and D. Octavia
This research provides information on the socio-economic conditions and provision of services of tropical monsoon forests to people’s livelihoods.
The results showed an imbalance between the socio-economic conditions of people who rely on the tropical monsoon forest for their livelihoods and the carrying capacity of fuelwood, food, and fodder supply. This imbalance is due to the weak synergy and organization of stakeholders in optimizing how the provision services of forests are used to support farmers’ livelihoods. Farmers’ dependence on tropical forest services is still high, therefore the strengthening of farmers’ institutions becomes a key factor that determines sustainable management of the forest and enhances the value of its benefits to the community.
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Conservation Species of NTFPs Through Agroforestry for Community Livelihoods in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara (2020)
Authors: Gerson Njurumana and D. Octavia
Another study in the same project site in Sikka District of East Nusa Tenggara Province analyzes the observations in another project site in the community forestry in Sikka District of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.
Results from conservation on NTFPs species through agroforestry practices in Sikkaprovided scientific evidence that socio-economic status in the region is highly linked to the sustainable NTFP production. Finally, the study highlighted the urgent call to the parties to initiate conserving and regenerating NTFPs, in particular, the conservation activities through agroforestry practices as well as the necessity to provide more assistance to increase the capacity of communities in encouraging the conservation and development of NTFP species around forests and owned land.
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Establishment of Agroforestry Plots at Cempaka Forestry Partnership in Batutegi Forest Management Unit, Lampung Province (2020)
Authors: Danu and D. Octavia
This article talks about the scientific observations and information gained from the enhancement of land cover in the Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) in Forestry Partnership in Lampung Province, the third project site.
The study introduces local tree species from the project experimental plots which have economic potency to sustain community livelihood which include fruit tree and multi-purpose tree species, i.e. nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), champaca (Michelia champaca), Damar Mata Kucing (Shorea javanica), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), marmalade (Crescentia cujete), candlenut (Aleurites moluccana), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), Lada perdu/ shrub pepper (Piper albi), and Gliricide (Gliricidia sepium). Annual plant species were also planted in the experimental plots, i.e. banana (Musa Sp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), Temulawak (Curcuma zanthorrhiza), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus). The results showed that the average survival rate was above 70% after 12 months of planting. This result has been attributed to the high level of community participation during planting.
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Contributed by Vireak Chhorn, AFoCO Fellowship Official from Cambodia, and Dona Octavia, country project manager of Indonesia
