PUBLICATIONS

Social forestry in Indonesia holds immense potential to contribute significantly to the country's climate pledge (NDC) by curbing deforestation and forest degradation while simultaneously enhancing forest carbon stocks. Accelerating social forestry in medium-to-high deforestation risk areas, which amount to about 1.37 million hectares of natural forests, has the potential to contribute 34.6% to Indonesia's unconditional NDC target. Nevertheless, while most social forestry units have measured their carbon stock, few have achieved certified emissions reductions due to the cumbersome and expensive certification process, making continuous empowerment essential for realizing this positive contribution.

Case studies reveal tangible contributions, such as the 83.68% decline in illegal logging rates after social forestry permits were granted in three units of the Bukit Barisan Forest Management Unit, which equates to a reduction in forest degradation. Furthermore, a community REDD+ project in the Bujang Raba Landscape successfully sold 6,009 Plan Vivo certified tCO2e, demonstrating the potential economic value of conservation efforts. The success of social forestry is marked by an increase in community welfare and forest preservation, with its role in climate mitigation supported by the development of alternative livelihoods like non-timber forest products and ecotourism.