Can Forest Management Units Improve Community Access to the Forest?

Abstract

This paper examines the Forest Management Unit's (FMU) role in enhancing access to forest area utilization, especially in production and protected community-based forests, to suppress the rate of deforestation. We research five FMU in central Sulawesi. The analysis method is qualitative based on emic information from FMU, community, academic, local government, and direct field observations. This paper explains that public access in forest resource utilization is a deciding factor in helping the community face the impact of economic crises. To make it happen, the primary role of FMU is necessary. FMU Should be increasing public access to the state-owned forest by optimizing the facilitating functions. Providing investment opportunities for forest management based on the community in partnership schemes can realize a broad impact and national issues on empowering forest communities. FMU can also prioritize the partnership cooperation programs by implementing social forestry programs, instantly absorbing significant community participation.