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Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforests, including those in the Philippines and Indonesia, and plays a vital role in climate regulation, supporting thousands of plant and animal species, and providing essential resources for Filipinos, especially for the indigenous and rural communities.
Community-Led Reforestation in the Philippines
Those critical landscapes are increasingly under threat due to deforestation, illegal logging, mining, and agricultural expansion. From 2002 to 2023, the world lost 76.3 million hectares, according to Global Forest Watch, of tropical wet primary forest. The Philippines accounts for about 190,000 hectares, 13% of its total tree cover loss, posing serious risks to the nation’s biodiversity, water supply, and climate resilience.
To
address this, collaborative forest restoration efforts are being implemented
between the government, local communities, and civil society. In the
Philippines, the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Program
empowers People’s Organizations through long-term agreements that support
sustainable forest stewardship. These partnerships not only aim to curb
deforestation but also promote long-term sustainability and community
well-being. One major initiative under this framework is the “5 Million Trees by 2028” campaign, which
focuses on planting native tree species nationwide.
Indigenous Community
Collaboration
A
similar approach is thriving in Indonesia, where the coalition between Aliansi
Kolibri, a network of civil society organizations, and Jaringan Komunitas
Masyarakat Adat (JKMA) has been focusing on facilitating forest restoration
efforts through funding, training, and strengthening the capacity of local
communities.
In this collaboration, Muhammad Nasir, a local leader known as Imeum Mukim in Mukim Paloh, Pidie Regency, Aceh, is committed to preserving the forest. For Nasir, the forest is more than just a source of livelihood for the indigenous people; it also symbolizes the deep connection between him, his community, and their ancestors.
When 2,981 hectares of Nasir’s ancestral forest were designated as industrial plantation land in 1987, the community’s sacred traditions and water sources were put at risk. Determined to protect their customary rights, Nasir sought assistance from JKMA in 2012, leading efforts to map territories, institutional strengthening, establish local regulations, address climate change issues, and train his community in forest management. The training is focused on economic utilization and land protection—an effort that reflects his unwavering commitment not only to preserving the hard-won status of Mukim Paloh’s customary forests but also to empowering the local community.
“Preserving customary forests
isn’t just about protecting the trees; it’s about safeguarding our culture,
traditions, and rights as an indigenous people,” said Nasir.
The recognition of Mukim Paloh’s
customary forest was officially realized with the issuance of a Decree (SK)
signed by the Minister of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) on September 7, 2023,
affirming its status. This decree was later presented directly by President
Joko Widodo on September 18, 2023, at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) in Jakarta,
marking a significant milestone for the indigenous people of Mukim Paloh in
their efforts to protect and preserve their customary forest.
This collaboration is not the only
innovation being implemented in Indonesia. Aliansi Kolibri has also restored 22
hectares of degraded forest across six districts, involving more than six local
organizations. This community-based restoration model has sparked greater
interest among local communities in planting native species, which also
contributes to food security. A total of 2,584 seedlings have been planted to
enhance food resilience, with an expected harvest time of at least 4-5 years
after planting. The cultivated crops include avocado, durian, guava, oranges,
cocoa, coconut, mango, pineapple, and many more.
"We hope the community-based restoration model developed by Aliansi Kolibri can serve as an example for other Southeast Asian countries to involve local communities so they too can directly benefit from these initiatives," said Saharuddin, Secretary of Aliansi Kolibri.
About Aliansi Kolibri
Aliansi Kolibri is a coalition committed to combating deforestation and increasing sustainability in Indonesia's agricultural sector. Founded in 2021, Aliansi Kolibri focuses on strengthening the capacity of local civil society organizations in addressing climate change and natural resource conservation. With a community-based approach, Aliansi Kolibri promotes collaboration between indigenous communities, civil organizations, and the government to create sustainable solutions from the bottom up.
Aliansi Kolibri also serves as a forum for sharing lessons learned, seeking alternative sources of funding, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through strategic partnerships, Aliansi Kolibri aims to strengthen networks that enable the realization of a more sustainable environment and better agricultural productivity in Indonesia.
For more information, visit https://kolibri.or.id/
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