From Forests to Livelihoods: Strengthening Partnerships in Kubu Raya

Forests are at the forefront of climate action, recognized as vital tools for mitigating climate change, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods. International efforts like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, highlight the urgent need to restore degraded landscapes and promote sustainable forest management. These initiatives emphasize community engagement, as local people play a critical role in conserving and managing forests.

In line with these global priorities, on Monday, November 11, 2024, the BPHL Wilayah VIII Pontianak, under the Directorate General of Sustainable Forest Management, facilitated and trained forest community groups around the concession of PT. Kandelia Alam in Kubu Raya Regency. This initiative aimed to encourage formal partnerships between forest business permit holders and local community groups, granting them legal status to sustainably manage forests through a labour-intensive approach.

The activity aimed to enhance the knowledge of Forest Farmer Groups (KTH) on managing forest resources in their areas while fostering collaboration between forest business permit holders and community groups. By doing so, it sought to empower communities to sustainably utilize and conserve forests while improving their economic prospects.

As a result of the activity, participants gained legal recognition and protection for their forest partnerships through formal agreements, such as Forest Partnership Agreements (NKK) and MoUs, ensuring sustainable and equitable forest management practices.

The event brought together experts such as the Head of UPT KPH Kubu Raya, representatives from the Department of Cooperatives, small and medium enterprise, Industry, and Trade of Kubu Raya Regency, Balai PSKL Kalimantan, and PT. Kandelia Alam. The event also included 30 participants from local community groups, such as KUPS, KUB, and KTH, along with PT. Kandelia Alam’s partners, including Blue Forest, Sangga Bumi Lestari, and FPIK UMP.

In Indonesia, home to the world’s third-largest tropical forest, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is crucial. The country is addressing deforestation through initiatives like Social Forestry, which provides communities with equitable access to forest resources while promoting conservation and economic development. However, challenges remain, including the conversion of forests for other uses, often driven by limited land availability and growing population pressures.

Social Forestry plays a vital role in empowering local communities to engage in sustainable forest management, aligning with the principles of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) carried by Nusantara Climate Initiative. This approach emphasizes forest conservation, restoration, and community involvement, helping communities improve their livelihoods. By supporting these efforts, Indonesia contributes to global restoration goals, landscape recovery, and climate change mitigation, reinforcing the country’s commitment to both national and global environmental targets.

Author: Nur Ramdhani Ikhsan

Copy Edit: Yessi Agustina; Barakalla Robyn

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