The second phase of the Southeast Asian Network for Agroforestry Education (SEANAFE) project was designed to enable educators from more than 80 universities and colleges in Southeast Asia to share knowledge and develop learning tools that address the interface between environmental conservation and poverty alleviation. It recognizes that the complex interface between these two areas must be handled in a holistic and integrated way if the projects is to help millions of small-scale farmers to benefit from commercial markets and, at the same time, help them to manage local landscapes. Thus, the SEANAFE Phase 2 project is guided by the overarching goal of educating Southeast Asia’s next generation of educators, scientists, and political leaders, on the importance of these issues and building their capacity. It particularly focuses on those currently enrolled in forestry and agriculture universities so that they can enact effective policies and programs in the future. SEANAFE, through funding support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), organized its Phase 2 set of activities around a series of well-defined regional projects for implementation from May 2005 to April 2009. These themed projects include: (a) Markets for Agroforestry Tree Products (MAFTP); (b) AgroforestryLandscape Analyses(AFLA); and (c) Forestry and Environmental Policies (FEP).
Tag: case studies
Mainstreaming biodiversity in forestry
Forests harbour a large proportion of the Earth’s terrestrial biodiversity, which continues to be lost at an alarming rate. Deforestation is the single most important driver of forest biodiversity loss with 10 million ha of forest converted every year to other land uses, primarily for agriculture. Up to 30 percent of tree species are now threatened with extinction. As a consequence of overexploitation, wildlife populations have also been depleted across vast areas of forest, threatening the survival of many species. Protected areas, which are considered the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation, cover 18 percent of the world’s forests while a much larger 30 percent are designated primarily for the production of timber and non-wood forest products. These and other forests managed for various productive benefits play a critical role in biodiversity conservation and also provide essential ecosystem services, such as securing water supplies, providing recreational space, underpinning human well-being, ameliorating local climate and mitigating climate change. Therefore, the sustainable management of all forests is crucial for biodiversity conservation, and nations have committed to biodiversity mainstreaming under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Mainstreaming biodiversity in forestry requires prioritizing forest policies, plans, programmes, projects and investments that have a positive impact on biodiversity at the ecosystem, species and genetic levels. In practical terms, this involves the integration of biodiversity concerns into everyday forest management practice, as well as in long-term forest management plans, at various scales. It is a search for optimal outcomes across social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. This study is a collaboration between FAO and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), lead centre of the CGIAR research programme on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry (FTA). Illustrated by eight country case-studies, the report reviews progress and outlines the technical and policy tools available for countries and stakeholders, as well as the steps needed, to effectively mainstream biodiversity in forestry.
Systematic review on the implementation of mangrove community-based restoration in Indonesia and beyond
World’s mangroves are decreasing, and the remaining are continuously at risk, so restoration seen as one of key strategies in the mangrove management. Mangrove ecosystems are ecologically important for coastal life, as well as play a key role for the livelihood and food security that put coastal community as important actor in the mangrove restoration efforts, including in Indonesia. This study aims to understand the current practices and lesson learned from the implementation of community-based mangrove restoration (CBMR). We used a combination of systematic review and co-learning workshops to identify relevant case studies, interventions, and outcomes from the implementation CBMR. We selected 71 relevant case studies from nine countries and ran a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We identified four group of intervention implemented in the case studies, those are active restoration (include replanting), passive restoration (focus on protection and depend on natural regeneration), model business development and strengthening the community institution. Case studies analysis suggested that combination of four type of interventions helps to achieve both aims of CBMR which are restored mangrove and improved livelihood.
Sustaining local livelihoods through carbon sequestration activities: a search for practical and strategic approach
In many parts of the developing world carbon sequestration projects have been implemented in association with community development. This is a practical way to demonstrate environmental as well as social benefits of the projects. To some extent the projects are in line with the dual objectives of the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Knowing the immaturity of CDM market and the dynamics of the negotiations in the Conferences of Parties (COPs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it is timely to explore strategic and long-term approaches. This paper attempts to synthesize the lessons learned from Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor Leste presented and discussed in the workshop to mark the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. Most of the projects do not necessarily comply with the strict rules of CDM partly due to the fact that the current agreement only allows afforestation and reforestation activities. Conservation of carbon storage (e.g. in peatlands) is not eligible for funding under the existing rules. Strategic approaches, such as inclusion of deforestation avoidance in the next round of negotiations and subsequent commitment period, were critically reviewed. A number of loopholes that require scientifically sound justification were identified. In addition, issues related to methodologies to determine the baseline, monitor additionality, leakage and permanence remain challenging. It is generally demonstrated that local participation is very strong in all of the projects examined. It was learned that large-scale plantation projects offer few benefits for the community, whereas small-scale projects that allow the community to participate offer the possibility to earn carbon credits as well as socio-economic and cultural benefits. However, many of these projects are so small in size that they generate high transaction costs. Otherwise the projects could demonstrate financial additionality from the point of view of the hosts. It was strongly suggested that in order to sustain livelihoods the projects have to be recognized by and linked with donor and policy communities. In addition, engagement of the private sector has to be further explored.