Community Forest Management Research Articles

Evaluasi Pengelolaan Hutan Kemasyarakatan (HKm) dan Dampaknya Terhadap Kondisi Hutan di Kelompok Perhutanan Hkm Buli Uher, Desa Ilinmedo Kecamatan Waiblama Kabupaten Sikka

The aims of evaluation of the community forest management of HKm Buli Uher, Ilinmedo Village, Waiblama District, Sikka Regency to observe and assess the implementation of HKm. The method used mixed method between qualitative and quantitative methods. The results of the quantitative method were a scoring evaluation of HKm management, which is based on the weight of several variables, including institutional, community empowerment, HKm area governance, and HKm business governance, as well as data collection on land cover analysis and vegetation analysis. A simple random sample is the first step method in the vegetation analysis process, and a line transect is subsequently used. Meanwhile, the qualitative method is information or data from interviews, observations, and documents related to the management of Buli Uher HKm. The results showed that the management of the Buli Uher HKm in Ilinmedo Village received an assessment with good criteria. In the meantime, the Ilinmedo Protected Forest in HKm Buli Uher experienced a notable reduction in forest conditions in 2023, according to the results of a vegetation study and land cover changes, with vegetation that is changing after being damaged. It happened as a result of the community's logging and forest burning.

Institutional Management of Community Forests and Environmental Sustainability in Gabon

Institutional Management of Community Forests and Environmental Sustainability in Gabon

Scope of Community Forest Management in different Ecosystem Services.

Uno de los grandes retos en de estudio de los sistemas forestales es comprender la complejidad y dinámica socioecológica con la que los bosques aportan diversos servicios ecosistémicos. Este aporte no solamente es una causa y un efecto simultáneo de otros procesos naturales y ciclos ecológicos de los sistemas forestales, sino también es consecuencia de las acciones sociales, las cuales influyen de forma paralela en la provisión de SE. Este artículo muestra los impactos que tuvo el cambio del manejo forestal comunitario (MFC) sobre diversos servicios ecosistémicos en un ejido perteneciente a una porción de la Sierra de Álvarez en la zona media de San Luis Potosí donde se practicaba la deforestación descontrolada. El estudio se basa en los principios de la teoría neoinstitucional de los bienes comunes. La recolección de información se desarrolló en una etapa de trabajo de campo a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, recorridos de campo y observación participante. Las acciones de MFC no solo detuvieron la deforestación, sino que promovieron un proceso de conciencia y educación forestal e impactaron en los beneficios económicos del ejido. El MFC aporta a la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos, pero complementado con otras dinámicas participativas, sociales y tecnológicas en la región, indudablemente propician el aumento del potencial de los SE en las dimensiones sociopolítica, económica y ecológica.

STRATEGI PENGELOLAAN PROGRAM HUTAN KEMASYARAKATAN (HKm) DI KESATUAN PENGELOLAAN HUTAN PRODUKSI BARITO TENGAH

The aim of this research is to formulate a strategy for community forest management in the Central Barito Production Forest Management Unit. Data analysis used the SWOT formula with planning techniques to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in a project. The research object is the Datah Berbuahl Forest Farmer Group in Sei Rahayu II Village with SK KTH SK.2580/MENLHK-PSKL/PKPS/PSL.0/4/2018 and the Karya Bersama Forest Farmer Group in Hajak Village with SK KTH SK.7132/MENLHK-PSKL/PKPS/PSL.0/4/2019. The selection of informants for interviews in the Focus Group Discussion was carried out deliberately to represent groups of community forest farmers who have influence in making group decisions and representatives of informants related institutions in community forestry programs, such as the KPHP Central Barito, NGOs/Customary Heads and Village Heads. The results of the SWOT matrix are built based on the results of an analysis of external and internal strategic factors, there are four main strategies, namely utilizing the availability of large enough land (SO), improving road access to the location of Forest Farmers Groups (WO), designating clear forest areas (ST) and increasing farmers' interest in managing Hkm (WT). The score calculation results on the matrix based on the EMP development strategy in North Barito Regency are in quadrant I (0.62; 0.29). Quadrant I (Strategy Aggressive), that is, with the strengths possessed by forest farmer groups, they must be able to take advantage of existing opportunities, while overcoming all weaknesses that arise and constitute a profitable situation, forest farmer groups have opportunities and strengths so that they can take advantage of existing opportunities.

Business Sustainability Analysis of the Social Forestry Program in West Sumatra Province

The global community recognizes social forestry as a way to improve community welfare through sustainable forest programs. In Indonesia, this program aims to involve local communities in forest management, providing multiple benefits such as forest preservation, improved livelihoods, and poverty reduction. This study aims to analyze the sustainability of a social forestry program for both Community Forest (CF) and non-Community Forest (non-CF) schemes (Village Forests and Community Plantation Forests). The research was conducted in Sijunjung, Solok, Padang Pariaman Regencies, and Padang City, involving a sample of 33 CF participants and 65 non-CF participants selected through snowball sampling. The data were collected through direct interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) at provincial and regency levels. The business sustainability assessment utilized multidimensional indicators (MDS) across three dimensions: economic, social, and institutional and analyzed using Rap_MForest. The findings revealed that social forestry program had a moderate level of sustainability in all dimensions; however, the social dimension showed lower sustainability, owing to limited community participation and ineffective empowerment of non-group members. The sustainability index of CF scheme was higher than the non-CF (VF and CPF). The CF model emerged as the more adaptable and comprehensive approach, promoting both environmental conservation and socioeconomic development. Therefore, prioritizing the institutional strengthening of VF and CPF became crucial. In addition, enhancing the active role and involvement of group members in the social forestry program within the social dimension was also essential. To enhance sustainability, efforts should be focused on strengthening mentoring and counseling programs for social forestry groups involved in state forest and community plantation initiatives.

Community Forestry in Nepal: A Review of Socioeconomic Contribution to Forest-Dependents in a Changing Climate

Community forestry (CF) in Nepal has successfully revitalized the barren hills and improved the socioeconomic conditions of communities that depend on forests. However, a thorough review of its actual contribution to poverty reduction and its potential to mitigate the impacts of climate change remains lacking. To contribute to this statement, we reviewed and synthesized the literature from 1987 to 2023, focusing on Nepal's community forest management scenario and its contribution to the socioeconomic aspect of forest-dependent communities in a changing climate. This will aid in generating evidence regarding the extent to which CF contributes to the economic upliftment of forest users and how it should address the gaps in the CF's poverty reduction objective. This review aims to help policymakers and practitioners find ways to integrate climate change issues into community forest management. This paper is fully based on a literature review where articles and journals pertaining to the topic were searched, and websites such as Crossref, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to access the documents. The review explains that CF substantially contributes to forest development, community development, and the socioeconomic change of forest-dependent communities in a changing climate. Nevertheless, the economic benefits, particularly the contribution to poverty reduction, have not met expectations yet. However, we should not undermine its potential to reduce poverty. Thus, focusing on the context-specific policy should be a priority.

Establishment of Land Rights on Lar Land in Critical Forest Areas as a Strategy for Sustainable Forest Management

Land criticism in forest areas is a significant issue faced by many countries. This study analyzes the development of Lar land rights as a strategy for sustainable forest management in Sumbawa. Through empirical methods, the study shows that the integration of Lar with communal grazing and livestock can increase economic, ecological, and social growth. From a regulatory perspective, the implementation of Lar is supported by regional regulations and decisions of the Regent and Minister regarding forest areas. The study results indicate that the Lar scheme effectively deals with critical land while supporting sustainable forest management. As a next step, it is recommended that a more in-depth study be conducted on the long-term effectiveness of the Lar scheme, including its impacts on ecosystem sustainability and the active involvement of local communities in forest management

Assessment of timber and fuel wood harvesting practices and distribution pattern in CFUGs of Khotang District, Nepal

Proper harvesting of forest products is necessary for sustainable forest management, playing a pivotal role in minimizing damage and waste while ensuring the sustainability of forest resources. Sustainable community forest management greatly depends on the harvesting and fair distribution of various forest products (FP). The study's goals were to ascertain the methods, instruments, and strategies utilized in the harvesting process, forest products distribution pattern, and the common issues surrounding the distribution and harvesting of FP in Imo and Ashoje Community Forest (CF) located in Khotang District, Nepal. Operational Plan (OP), focus groups, key informant interviews, household surveys, and minute books were used for data collection. 25% of all households were chosen at random from each of the two CF. The study revealed that traditional methods and tools such as sickles, bill hooks, axes, and saws, were commonly used in the past; however, there has been a shift towards modern tools in recent years. Deviations were observed in forest products harvesting and distribution from that of OP in practice. Fuel wood were equally distributed, timbers were allocated based on priority and circular basis ensuring user satisfaction. The slope was the major constraint for harvesting, as most of the marked trees were not cut because of difficulty in extraction. To improve sustainable forest management, it is recommended that advanced tools and training be provided to users, with regular monitoring by forest officials to ensure adherence to best practices. These measures will help enhance user responsibility and ensure sustainable harvesting operations.

Community Forest Management and the Resilience of Karen Indigenous Knowledge in Northern Thailand.

This study investigates the resilience of indigenous knowledge in five Karen villages, located in Thailand's Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Lampang provinces, that have been recognized for best practices in community forest management (CFM). The CFM model was initiated by local communities to promote forest conservation and community engagement. Data on CFM practices, land-use rights, social networks, and indigenous knowledge were collected through 17 in-depth interviews and 5 focus group meetings. The findings include how these Karen communities have adopted payment for environmental services (PES) to fund conservation projects and social welfare. More specifically, PES generates social capital by facilitating coordination with stakeholders from the private sector, academia, and government. These social networks promote markets for local products and advocate for indigenous land-use rights. The PES model also serves as a tool whereby Indigenous Peoples can shape their identities as innovative forest guardians and legitimize their residence within the forest. Additionally, the study reports on how Karen people have diversified their livelihoods to include hosting academic tourism, handicrafts, and livestock, reducing their dependence on forest resources.

The manifestation of institutional bricolage and community forest management outcomes: insights from four socio-ecological settings in Nepal

ABSTRACT Institutional bricolage has gained attention in the global south, albeit limited evidence in community forestry. This study characterizes forest resource appropriation practices, analyzes bricolage manifestations around timber and NTFPs, and assesses their outcomes across four regions of Nepal. Using 342 semi-structured interviews, 38 focus group discussions, 61 key informant interviews, and policy document reviews, the findings reveal: (i) geographic variations in resource appropriation practices, with selection felling prevalent in the Mountains and an irregular shelter-wood system in the Terai; (ii) aggregation and articulation were common in the mountains for subsistence products, while alteration was more prevalent in the Terai for commercial products; and (iii) aggregation and alteration yielded mixed outcomes, whereas erosion consistently led to negative outcomes. This study advances critical institutionalism by highlighting how these bricolage processes manifest and shape forest management outcomes in Nepal. We call for further studies on the socio-political determinants of institutional bricolage manifestations.

Users' Participation in Community Forest Management: A Comparative Study

Users' Participation in Community Forest Management: A Comparative Study

Intensification of Silviculture Techniques in Community Forest Management to Realize the Acceleration of SDG's Point 13: Handling Climate Change

Global climate change has become an urgent issue affecting land quality, especially forest areas. Forests are important in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon and storing greenhouse gases. Community forests, which are managed by communities on private land, have great potential to reduce carbon emissions. However, community forest management is still suboptimal due to limited knowledge of the application of effective silvicultural techniques. This study aims to provide recommendations for community forest management by intensifying silvicultural techniques, such as plant spacing and plant species selection, to reduce fire risk and support climate change mitigation. The method used was a systematic review of 30 relevant scientific articles. The literature used came from books and national and international journal articles accessed through Google Scholar, Springer and ScienceDirect databases. Articles were selected through a selection process based on the relevance of the title, abstract, and overall content. The results showed that a planting distance of 4×4 meters or 4×3 meters is the most optimal for tree growth and allows the implementation of an agroforestry system. In addition, plant species such as Swietenia macrophylla and Gliricidia sepium proved effective as fire barriers due to their evergreen characteristics that can reduce the amount of litter as fire fuel. In conclusion, intensive silvicultural techniques can increase the effectiveness of community forest management in sequestering carbon, reducing the risk of forest fires, and supporting climate change mitigation efforts. This research provides recommendations that community forest managers can apply to improve environmental sustainability.

UAV survey mapping of illegal deforestation in Madagascar

Societal Impact StatementUnmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery highlights the extent of illegal deforestation in protected areas for the biodiverse humid forest of central Madagascar. The ultra‐high‐resolution (<10‐cm pixel) images enable the creation of detailed forest 3D base maps and provide the means to quantify forest stand losses. To help communities safeguard their forests, local non‐governmental organisations can use UAV maps in combination with weekly deforestation alerts to facilitate an immediate on‐ground response that significantly restricts illegal activity. Integrating ultra‐high‐resolution UAV mapping and coarse‐resolution freely available satellite imagery should have much wider applications in Madagascar and the humid tropics for community‐based conservation.Summary This study of the Ambohimahamasina humid forest shows that small UAVs offer a detailed (<10‐cm pixel), rapid and cost‐effective solution to provide maps of detailed deforestation patterns not visible in satellite imagery. Calculating forest extent and volume are valuable ways to rapidly assess forest losses and prioritise areas for ground patrols. The use of 3‐dimensional measurements for above ground carbon estimates indicate how, in the future, these metrics could be used to calculate carbon payments for conservation programs. By combining UAV and free satellite imagery, an effective alert system has been developed that supports community initiatives in the protection of their natural forest resources. The wealth of ultra‐high‐resolution UAV data collected in this study provides insights into forest dynamics, supports local community forest management, and has the potential to measure the value of the forest.

Effectiveness of Community Forest Management as an Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Strategy in the Context of Nepal

Objectives: This study attempted to explore the effectiveness of community forest (CF) management as an ecosystem based adaptation (EbA) strategy in combating and adapting with the climate change impacts upon local ecosystems and communities. Method: In order to identify EbA options, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, governance and socioeconomic function of CF were analyzed. Effectiveness and sustainability were examined and compared through Land Use Land Cover (LULC) database during 1996 and 2021. Efficiency was explored through the economic valuation of provisioning and cultural services, using economic approach–revealed price (market price) method. Socioeconomic functions and governance were examined through the existing plans/policies and secondary data review. Findings: CF is effectively and sustainably managing the available resources. It has increased forest cover, water body, grassland and remarkable decline in bush and sand area. Bush area (79.25 ha in 1996) dropped (to 6.52 ha in 2021) while forest cover increased from 340.46 ha to 375.54 ha. Waterbody (pond or lake area) was limited to 0.88 ha that expanded to 5.04 ha in 2021 due to the conservation oriented management practices. Meanwhile, economic value of provisioning services is USD 7182 accounting wood and timber the highest (average annual USD 4800) among the provisioning services while average annual value of firewood and poles is USD 1367 and NTFP (fish and rubber) is USD 1015 whereas the economic value of cultural services is USD 18803. Novelty: The novelty of the research work lies in the unique methodology and the selection of CF for the EbA case study, which is least explored. By exposing the integration of ecological and socio-economic considerations, this research underscores the significance CF as EbA option in shaping sustainable development pathway in Nepalese context. Keywords: Ecosystem Services, Ecosystem Based Adaptation, Community Forest, Nepal, Land Management

Overview of Community Forest Management For Logging in The State of Amazonas

Objective: Present an overview of the licensing of community timber forest management activities in the State of Amazonas between the years 2000 and 2021. Theoretical Framework: This study is addresses the topic of community-based timber forest management. It presents its history and evolution in the Amazon, addressing the main implementation difficulties, supporting legislation and the quantification of initiatives in the region. Method: The present study is characterized by a qualitative and quantitative approach, using bibliographic and documentary research. A survey was carried out on community timber forest management activities in the State of Amazonas, using the information base provided by the Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that between 2000 and 2021, 100 environmental exploration licenses were issued for community logging forest management, with projects located in 11 municipalities in the State of Amazonas, with emphasis on Maraã, Santo Antônio do Iça and Uarini. The total volume of licensed wood for the period was 68,122.43 m3 and 10,242 trees were harvested, with emphasis on the species assacu (Hura crepitans L.), macacarecuia [Eschweilera albiflora (DC.) Miers] and mulateiro [Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) K.Schum.]. Research Implications: Based on the understanding from bibliographical and documentary analyzes of community forest management activities, it is expected to contribute to the strengthening of a planning policy on the activity, both at the local and regional level. Originality/Value: There is no unifying source of data on community forest management in the State of Amazonas that can generate consistent and updated statistics in a timely manner. In this way, the research aims to contribute to strengthening the activity at both local and regional levels, making community timber forestry management not just a simple supplier of raw materials, but linked to a wood production chain, generating high-value-added products, with raw materials of legal origin.

Assessment of Species Composition, Diversity and Carbon Stock in a Community Managed Forest of Udaypur District of Nepal

Species composition, diversity, and carbon sock of forests are all critical factors that affect the ability of forests to provide various important ecosystem services. However, there is a notable dearth of research regarding these factors in the community forests of Udaypur district. Therefore, this research was undertaken to assess species composition, and biodiversity and quantify the carbon stock potential of the Sringar community forest (CF) of the Udaypur district of Eastern Nepal. A total of 57 circular plots of 500m2 were inventoried using a systematic random sampling method with 0.5 % sampling intensity. In the CF, 17 tree species from 15 genera and 11 families were identified. The dominant tree species, Shorea robusta observed with a maximum importance value index (IVI) (176.15). According to our study, the total biomass and carbon stock in Sringar CF were 276.98 ton ha-1 and 138.18 ton ha-1, respectively. Accurate estimation of soil carbon stocks is crucial for long-term forest management and climate change mitigation, and the integration of advanced monitoring techniques and predictive models to enhance accuracy and account for future climate projections is needed.

A multinomial logit model analysis of determinants of community forest management approaches: evidence from northern Ethiopia.

Abstract For efficient and sustainable forest management, community engagement and participation are crucial. Sustainable forest management requires decision-making, plantation, and management approaches, in addition to the importance of indigenous knowledge and community opinions. The study examined the determinants of community-based forest management practices in Ethiopian Raya-Alamata Woreda. A semi-structured questionnaire was given to 195 randomly chosen sample respondents as part of the survey in order to gather primary data. Additionally, key informants, development agents, woreda forest supervisors, and local administrators were interviewed. Secondary data were gathered from books, woreda agriculture office, and scientific publications. The data was analyzed using a multinomial logit model and descriptive statistics. The results showed that distance to the forest negatively influenced participation in decision-making, while sex, education, and TLU positively influenced it. Age, home proximity to the forest, market distance, and tropical livestock unit negatively influenced participation in plantation. Age, family size, forest location, and association membership positively influenced decision-making and management approaches. To promote all-inclusive forest management, the study recommends the distribution of forestry-related educational materials, legal action against illegal users, switching to alternative energy sources, and encouraging female-headed households.

Towards a more just approach to community forestry initiatives: Confronting contradictions, trade-offs, and threats to fairness

Community forest management (CFM) has gained prominence globally and shown great value as a community-based conservation approach to protecting and sustainably managing forest ecosystems while, at the same time, devolving tenure rights to local populations and stimulating local livelihoods and economies. Given CFM's relative successes and socioeconomic goals, it is often assumed to be an inherently just approach. Here, we challenge that assumption. We present a framework rooted in environmental justice to uncover how some initiatives can perpetuate or exacerbate unfairness and thus undermine the core purpose and spirit of CFM. We put forward three questions on the fairness of CFM programs. First, we call to question the imposition of new CFM-related restrictions and rules, considering Indigenous and local communities' legal autonomy and/or long-standing de facto rights. Second, we interrogate the burden of CFM-related economic costs and opportunity costs, in light of communities' poverty conditions and vulnerable livelihoods. Third, we examine the fairness of focusing on the role of local communities in tackling deforestation and forest degradation, given these groups might not be the ones primarily responsible for those problems. Our discussion exposes several contradictions, trade-offs and justice implications of CFM that have remained largely unrecognized. We conclude by providing recommendations for a more just approach that centers a rights-needs-merit rationale. Our analysis is relevant for community-based conservation efforts around the globe.

Assessment of Tree Species Availability Based on Sawmilling and Timber Markets Survey in Sinnar State, Sudan

This study assesses tree species availability in Sinnar state, Sudan, to identify the types of wood used, marketed and explores the selection criteria driven by the continuing demand for timber in construction, furniture, and energy sources. The research included interviews with 87 randomly selected respondents from three timber trading and sawmill companies (Elsuki, Sinnar, and Singa). The surveys utilize descriptive analysis using SPSS and Excel. Findings revealed 28 historically available timber species, of which only eight are currently on the market. Selection criteria for trading species include viability, durability, and market demand. Approximately 47.9 % of timber comes from reserved forests, mainly for sawmill use, while 31.3 % comes from private and community-managed forests. The study highlights a significant decline in the availability of timber species, with 88 % of respondents expressing concerns about this trend due to overexploitation, revealing the urgent need for conservation efforts. This study suggests planting indigenous fast-growing trees to meet the region’s timber needs.

Biodiversity Analysis of Protected Forests in Central Kalimantan: Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Management

Protected forests in Central Kalimantan are vital reservoirs of biodiversity, housing diverse flora and fauna crucial for local and global ecosystems. Despite their ecological significance, these forests face imminent threats from deforestation, illegal encroachment, and climate change, jeopardizing their biodiversity and ecological integrity. This study aims to assess the biodiversity of Central Kalimantan's protected forests and explore its implications for conservation and sustainable management. The research methodology employs a comprehensive approach, integrating field surveys, laboratory analysis, and community engagement. Field surveys involve transect walks, camera traps, and direct observations to inventory flora and fauna. Soil and water analyses assess habitat conditions, while participatory approaches engage local communities in forest management. Findings reveal a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species such as Shorea stenoptera and Dipterocarpus grandiflorus. High Shannon-Wiener and Simpson diversity indices indicate a healthy ecosystem, but deforestation and illegal encroachment pose significant threats, fragmenting habitats and disrupting species survival. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, necessitating adaptation strategies for ecosystem resilience. Community participation emerges as pivotal in conservation efforts, leveraging traditional knowledge and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for effective forest management, emphasizing the need for holistic conservation strategies. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgent need for conservation action to safeguard the biodiversity of Central Kalimantan's protected forests. By integrating scientific research with community engagement, policymakers and stakeholders can develop effective strategies to conserve these invaluable ecosystems, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.