Empirical Investigation into Collaborative Model Development for Resolving Tenure Conflicts in Forested Regions

Abstract

Tenure conflict is a challenge and dilemma experienced by many countries. The dilemma is because on the one hand, there is an interest in preserving forests, on the other hand, there are claims to land ownership in forest areas long before they are designated as forest areas. The next dilemma is that the party claiming property rights is generally used for agricultural activities which have been the main livelihood for generations. This study tries to examine the incidence of tenure conflicts in various countries to map how these conflicts occur, the factors that encourage land tenure approaches in resolving them, and government (state) policies. Using secondary data resulting from a review of previous research published in reputable international journals and other reliable and credible reports. The review study model used is systematic with meta-synthesis. Apart from journals, secondary data comes from other reliable and credible reports. Data and materials consist of 67 reputable international journals and 14 books/reports published in the last ten years. The results of the analysis found that tenure conflicts were caused by many things, motivated by the ownership and interests of natural resources specifically for agriculture for the lives of the surrounding community. An interesting fact is that the handling of tenure conflicts in several countries is considered successful, marked by the provision of access to forest management ownership. Other studies such as those conducted in Latin America, Africa, and Asia offer partnership models to resolve tenure conflicts. Similar things have also been done in Indonesia but have not been completely successful. Learning from this, this research offers a model for developing forest management partnerships to resolve tenure conflicts in forest areas, while also accommodating special agricultural activities for local communities. The model offered theoretically complements and/or perfects the models used so far which have proven unsuccessful in resolving conflicts. The practical implications are a reference for the government and interested parties to resolve tenure conflicts so that forests are maintained and can provide benefits for community welfare.