People’s Perceptions about the Importance of Forests on Borneo

Abstract

We ascertained villagers’ perceptions about the importance of forests for their livelihoods and health through 1,837 reliably answered interviews of mostly male respondents from 185 villages in Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo. Variation in these perceptions related to several environmental and social variables, as shown in classification and regression analyses. Overall patterns indicated that forest use and cultural values are highest among people on Borneo who live close to remaining forest, and especially among older Christian residents. Support for forest clearing depended strongly on the scale at which deforestation occurs. Deforestation for small-scale agriculture was generally considered to be positive because it directly benefits people’s welfare. Large-scale deforestation (e.g., for industrial oil palm or acacia plantations), on the other hand, appeared to be more context-dependent, with most respondents considering it to have overall negative impacts on them, but with people in some areas considering the benefits to outweigh the costs. The interviews indicated high awareness of negative environmental impacts of deforestation, with high levels of concern over higher temperatures, air pollution and loss of clean water sources. Our study is unique in its geographic and trans-national scale. Our findings enable the development of maps of forest use and perceptions that could inform land use planning at a range of scales. Incorporating perspectives such as these could significantly reduce conflict over forest resources and ultimately result in more equitable development processes.

Trees in the Agricultural Matrix: Reforestation Processes in a Tropical Dry Landscape in Chinandega, Nicaragua

“…Though studies agree that trees provide essential services, these functions may be perceived differently among landholders, and the differing priorities of landowners on acceptable types and quantities of trees must be considered in ensuring integration and sustainability of landscape management (Meijaard 2013, Welsch et al 2014). …”

“…Farmers engaged in agroforestry practices are sometimes even willing to accept some crop production loss in return for valuable tree products, including fruit and fodder (Hocking et al 1997). In contrast, trees may sometimes be considered incompatible with agriculture, as competition for sunlight, and deforestation sometimes acceptable on the small-scale as improving local welfare (Benjamin et al 2008, Meijaard et al 2013). …”

“…These policies are only efficacious when they interact with shifts in labor, industrial and government policy in such a way that provides incentives for forest conservation instead of deforestation (Calvo-Alvarado 2009). While some farmers regret forest and biodiversity loss, they are often driven by the simple desire to improve individual well-being, turning to agricultural practices, which are often perceived as providing faster and more secure returns (Meijaard et al 2013). When agriculture is the only option to alleviate financial pressures, policies must consider macroeconomic factors to optimize land-use planning (Pfund 2011).…”

“…Though studies agree that trees provide essential services, these functions may be perceived differently among stakeholders, and the differing priorities of landowners on acceptable types and quantities of trees must be considered in ensuring integration and sustainability of landscape management (Meijaard 2013, Welsch et al 2014. Farmers engaged in agroforestry practices are sometimes willing to accept some crop production loss in return for valuable tree products, including fruit and fodder (Hocking et al 1997).…”

“…In contrast, trees may sometimes be considered incompatible with agriculture, as competition for sunlight, and deforestation sometimes acceptable on the small-scale as improving local welfare (Benjamin et al 2008, Meijaard et al 2013). …”