Criteria and indicators of sustainability in community managed forest landscape: an introductory guide

Abstract

This guide is intended to make a contribution to the larger efforts worldwide at improving forest management, human well-being, and the sustainability of natural resources. In order for it to do so, three important points should be noted by anyone intending to use the Guide: 1) As with any such tool, everything in this guide needs to be considered in, and adapted to, the local context in which it is to be used. We consider it not a 'blueprint', but a 'springboard' to appropriate action… 2) Successful implementation of the approach suggested in this guide relies on adequate understanding of, commitment to, and skills in participatory approaches and processes. This does not mean that only "professional participation practitioners" should use it. It means rather that if there is a lack of any or all of these, this gap should be addressed prior to and during the C&I processes (for example, through the readings or contacts suggested in the reference section). Furthermore, in relation to point 1 above, as the approach to CMF C&I and processes for monitoring are adapted for use locally, it is extremely important that these adaptations build in and maximize opportunities for shared learning and ownership of the processes. For example, while the guide may offer some ideas for 'structuring CMF C&I', it does not go in depth into the kinds of participatory tools that can be best used in different groups to do this. We look to the implementers of the guide to bring in the participatory tools and adaptations that will be needed in each context. We anticipate that across all contexts, this will include such adaptations as: • Locally appropriate games to introduce ideas • Shifting from written word to pictorial representations or other activities as literacy levels dictate • Developing strategies to overcome barriers to participation (such as gender, caste, etc) 3) This is a work in progress! CIFOR and collaborators are continuing work in this area, and we would welcome input and feedback on this guide. This manual is the product of the cumulative efforts and insights of many people over a period of years. We would especially like to express our gratitude to the member of the communities of Akak/Bitetele and Eyek II (Central province, Cameroon), Cachoeira do Maró and São Pedro (Pará, Brazil) and Bedigong and Darok (West Kalimantan, Indonesia) who participated in the CIFOR CMF C&I field tests, and without whose generous participation and wisdom this publication would have been impossible. We also thank and applaud the work of the interdisciplinary team members, facilitators, and supporters involved in that research-too numerous to mention specifically, but all of their efforts are valued and valuable. We can at least thank and name the lead collaborating institutions here: the GTZ-Indonesian Ministry of Forestry funded Social Forestry Development Project (SFDP) (Sanggau, Kalimantan); FERDA (Bogor, Indonesia); ONADEF (Cameroon); WWF-Cameroon; the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Rurais de Santarem (STR-Santarem), and Projecto Saude e A...