How Community Forestry Can Strengthen Sustainable Landscape Management and Land Tenure Security

The session focused on the potential of community forestry to enhance sustainable landscape management and strengthen land tenure security, using case studies from Indonesia, Brazil, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Community forestry was framed as a method that allows local populations to manage forest resources, contributing to environmental conservation, income generation, and improved governance. However, the discussion acknowledged the complexities of realizing these benefits, noting that strong institutions, social capital, and technical support are crucial prerequisites for success. The panelists explored the evolving status of community forestry in their respective countries, reflecting on past trends and recent developments. National policies designed to support community forestry were evaluated for their contributions to land tenure security, highlighting that while they often grant temporary access, they may fall short of providing permanent land rights. Discussions emphasized both the achievements and the challenges of community forestry in protecting forests and boosting local livelihoods. Case studies illustrated that, despite slow progress, efforts are underway to accelerate the implementation of effective community forestry policies. Strategies included policy reforms that aim to strengthen tenure security and create enabling conditions for sustainable forest use. The panel also addressed the challenge of ensuring stable and sustainable income for local communities, identifying promising options such as non-timber forest products, ecotourism, and payment for ecosystem services as potential sources of revenue. The session highlighted that successful community forestry requires a balance between conservation goals and community rights, with a focus on long-term tenure security and the empowerment of local communities to manage forest resources sustainably.


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