Navigating Change in Nambo District's Forests

A new article dives into the complex history of forest management in the Nambo District, Indonesia, revealing how a community-driven approach has evolved with government policies.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Before 2009, Nambo District’s forests were managed by local communities using traditional practices like shifting cultivation and selective harvesting, with rules based on social cohesion and trust.
• The introduction of the Community Forest (HKm) policy between 2009 and 2014, and subsequent Law 23 of 2014, shifted forest status to state ownership. This change formalized community rights through licenses but also brought stricter regulations and centralized control.
• While the new policies provided legal protection, they also introduced bureaucratic challenges and sometimes conflicted with local traditions.
• The article, which used Ostrom's design principles, found that while some principles like "clearly defined boundaries" and "user participation" were successfully implemented, others, such as sanctions and conflict resolution, faced challenges.

This article highlights the importance of comprehensive collaboration between regional authorities, local communities, and other stakeholders to manage shared resources effectively and sustainably. Empowering local communities and fostering collective action are key to the long-term success of these initiatives.

Read the full article: doi.org/10.22146/jik.v19i1.1