Striking the balance: Fiqh Bi’ah and Productive Waqf Forests (PWFs) for sustainable forest management in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to address the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental protection in the context of productive waqf forests (PWFs). The inherent tension between forest productivity and protection necessitates a model that ensures sustainable utilization. This research proposes a novel framework by integrating fiqh bi'ah (Islamic environmental jurisprudence) with a model for PWFs development. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative approach, the analytical network process (ANP) analyzes data gathered through a literature review of Islamic environmental jurisprudence (fiqh bi'ah) on environment and waqf, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with academics, practitioners and regulators in fiqh bi'ah and waqf forest management. Findings Three potential PWFs development models emerge from the fiqh bi'ah literature; Harim (maintaining the natural forest state for intangible benefits like oxygen and biodiversity), Hima (sustainable utilization of forest products while preserving ecological components) and Ihya’ al-mawat (developing unproductive land into a future forest). The ANP analysis reveals that Hima is the most preferred model by all stakeholders, followed by Ihya’ al-mawat. The Harim model received lower preference due to limited economic potential. Additionally, experts suggest tourism-based forest management as the most suitable approach for all three PWFs models. Originality/value This study offers a novel PWFs development model grounded in fiqh bi'ah principles. By using ANP to integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives, the research provides valuable insights for sustainable and ethical management of PWFs resources, contributing to the literature on Islamic finance and business models.