Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN SOCIAL FORESTRY COVER DESIGN SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021 - 2025 1 REV 2 1.indd All Pages 3/11/2021 2:44:42 PM MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES First Print, 2022 Copyrights © Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, 2022 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Malaysia. All inquiries should be forwarded to: Forestry Management Division Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Malaysia Level 12, Wisma Sumber Asli No. 25, Persiaran Perdana, Precint 4 62574 Putrajaya Tel: 603-8000 8000 Faks: 603-8889 2672 Homepage: http://www.ketsa.gov.my/ Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025/ Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Malaysia 1. Social Forestry--Malaysia 2. Strategic Plan--Malaysia Printed by Mashi Publication Sdn. Bhd. 68, Jalan Mas Jaya, Kawasan Perindustrian Mas Jaya, 43200 Cheras, Selangor Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data ISBN 978-967-0250-44-1 Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 9 7 8 9 6 7 0 2 5 0 4 4 1 Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 Table of Contents Foreword by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Message by Secretary-General, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Acknowledgements Acronyms Strategic Framework Definition, Vision, and Mission Executive Summary Principles of Social Forestry Strategic Plan 1. INTRODUCTION The World Scenario The Malaysian Situation 2. SOCIAL FORESTRY IN THE CONTEXT OF A NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 12th Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 11th Malaysia Plan 2016-2020 Malaysia Policy on Forestry National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025 National Forestry Act 1984 Forestry Policy of Peninsular Malaysia Sabah Forest Policy 2018 Sarawak Forest Policy 2019 Forest Enactment 1968, Sabah Forest Ordinance 2015, Sarawak 3. SOCIAL FORESTRY PRACTICES IN MALAYSIA Social Forestry Practices in General Social Forestry Practices in Peninsular Malaysia Social Forestry Practices in Sabah Social Forestry Practices in Sarawak 4. THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN Issues and Challenges Opportunities 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 11 14 14 15 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 23 23 24 24 25 27 28 29 38 51 63 64 67 i Table of Contents 5. STRATEGIC THRUSTS AND STRATEGIES Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 Strategic Thrust 1: Policy, Legislation & Governance Strategic Thrust 2: Awareness and Capacity Building Strategic Thrust 3: Financial Instruments Strategic Thrust 4: Forest Resources Management 6. WAY FORWARD Elements of Success Monitoring Progress Mid-term Review 2023 Conclusion References Annex 71 72 73 75 79 81 85 86 88 88 89 90 92 ii Foreword Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam sejahtera. In the last few decades, forest management in Malaysia has gradually changed from the traditional approach of managing forest resources for timber production to that of multiple uses of forests. Forest ecosystem has increasingly been recognised to provide important support in socio-economic and cultural life. Poverty, whether absolute or relative, remains to plague forest-dependent indigenous peoples and local communities. Therefore, the government has been giving increasing attention to the social aspects of forestry development. Social forestry practices have been expanded to other activities such as rehabilitation of coastal areas, ecotourism, recreational parks, establishing nurseries, and carrying out education programmes to raise awareness among the indigenous peoples and local communities. These initiatives aim to uplift the community livelihoods, improve the productivity of degraded land and forest cover, and raise the public awareness on the importance of conserving biodiversity. It is my fervent hope that the vision of having an effective social forestry practice in Malaysia for the well-being of the people will be achieved through the implementation of this strategic plan. Takiyuddin bin Hassan Minister of Energy and Natural Resources The establishment of the Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 is timely to further kick off the agenda in reducing vulnerability, building resilience, and enhancing rural livelihoods by empowering communities and recognising the multiple values and functions of forests. This plan provides a holistic social forestry approach that could provide a solution to benefit both the indigenous peoples, local communities and the government in conserving the natural environment. 1 Message The strategic plan sets the direction for the nation’s social forestry implementation for the next five years. It will also supports the implementation of the existing national policies and legislation, in particular the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Malaysia Policy on Forestry and the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam sejahtera. The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 is developed based on the socio-economic needs of the three regions: Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. It is in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 to make Malaysia as a nation that achieve sustainable growth along with fair and equitable distribution across income groups, ethnicities, regions, and supply chains. Malaysia’s efforts to improve the socio-economic conditions of the indigenous peoples and local communities began in the early 1950s. Even though there have been past implementations of social forestry related projects, there was a lack of direction in the social forestry development, particularly at the national level. Therefore, formulating a national social forestry definition, vision and mission under this plan has finally overcome the plaguing issue. Hence, 26 strategies and 70 action plans have been drawn by the three regions to complement four strategic thrusts, namely Policy, Legislation and Governance, Awareness and Capacity Building, Financial Instruments, and Forest Resources Management. I would like to thank everyone involved in formulating the Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025. I hope that this strategic plan will be a helpful guide for implementing social forestry programmes in Malaysia. Zurinah binti Pawanteh Secretary General Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources 2 The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 was prepared with the support and close cooperation from the following agencies and organisations. Government departments and agencies • Department of Agriculture Sarawak • Forest Department Sarawak • Forest Research Institute Malaysia • Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia • Ministry of Rural Development • Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak • Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Sarawak • Natural Resources and Environment Board, Sarawak • Natural Resources Office, Sabah • Sabah Forestry Department • Sabah Native Affairs Department • Sabah Wildlife Department • Sarawak Biodiversity Centre • Sarawak State Planning Unit • Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation, and • Sarawak Tourism Board Universities • Universiti Malaysia Sabah • Universiti Malaysia Sarawak • Universiti Putra Malaysia, and • Universiti Teknologi MARA Non-governmental and non-profit organisations • Borneo Resources Institute Malaysia, Sarawak • Forever Sabah • Friends of Earth Malaysia • Friends of Kuala Gula Mangrove • Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia • Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association, Sabah • Land Empowerment Animals People • Malaysian Nature Society Acknowledgements 3 • Non-Timber Forest Product Exchange Programme • Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah Trust • Penang Inshore Fishermen Welfare Association • Ridge to Reef • Sabah Social Forestry Working Group • Sahabat Alam Tampik Janda Baik Association • Sarawak Dayak Iban Association • South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership • Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture • World Wide Fund for Nature Sabah 4 B40 Bottom 40% of Malaysian household income CBET Community-based ecotourism CEPA Communication, Education and Public Awareness CF Communal forest CIFOR Center for International Forestry Research CSIU Community Service Initiative Unit FDPM Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia FDS Forest Department Sarawak FR Forest Reserve FRIM Forest Research Institute Malaysia IPLCs Indigenous peoples and local communities ITTO International Tropical Timber Organisation IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JFM Joint forest management KeTSA Kementerian Tenaga dan Sumber Asli (Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources) LC Local communities MESCOT Model for Ecologically Sustainable Community Conservation and Tourism NCR Native customary rights NGO Non-governmental organisation NTFP Non-timber forest products NSFWGC National Social Forestry Working Group Committee PFE Permanent Forest Estate PRF Permanent reserved forest REDD+ Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries SDG Sustainable Development Goals SF Social forestry SFD Sabah Forestry Department SFM Sustainable forest management SOP Standard operating procedure TPA Totally protected areas Acronyms 5 Strategic Framework This strategic framework sets out social forestry goals and activities in Malaysia for 2021-2025. The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 prioritises seven principles, with four main strategic thrusts as accelerators. It seeks to leverage the power of various stakeholders as a means of implementation and people engagement. The strategic plan focuses on accelerating implementation and achieving a greater impact. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR SOCIAL FORESTRY IN MALAYSIA Towards effective social forestry practices for the well-being of the people VISION MISSION PRINCIPLES STRATEGIC THRUSTS ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS To develop and manage social forestry effectively through active participation from all parties, to enhance quality of life and improve environmental sustainability Develop policies, legislations and strategies for the implementation of social forestry Manage forest resources, land use, and environmental sustainability Reduce indigenous peoples and local communities dependency from natural forest Involve actively indigenous peoples, local communities and stakeholders Improve socio economic conditions of indigenous peoples and local communities Manage and resolve conflicts Promote social forestry practices to other sectors Strategic Thrust 1 Policy, Legislation, and Governance Strategic Thrust 2 Awareness and Capacity Building Strategic Thrust 3 Financial Instruments Strategic Thrust 4 Forest Resources Management Support from federal and state governments NGO and private sectors collaboration Active local community involvement and commitment Seed money from government and donors Periodic monitoring by implementing agencies Availability of local champion Adequate capacity buildings and training Awareness enhancement Figure 1 Strategic Framework for Social Forestry in Malaysia 2021-2025 6 Social Forestry in Malaysia Definition Vision Mission Definition Vision Towards effective social forestry practices for the well-being of the people. To develop and manage social forestry effectively through active participation from all parties, enhance the quality of life, and improve environmental sustainability. Mission Social forestry is the involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities on their own initiatives or in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in forest management from the aspects of social, economic, culture and environment for sustainable livelihoods. SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 View of Gunung Mulu National Park from a nearby village Photo by Forest Research Institute Malaysia In the last few decades, forest management in Malaysia has gradually changed from the traditional approach of managing forest resources for timber production to that of multiple uses of forests. Amidst this change, there is also increasing awareness among policy makers and forest managers that a substantial proportion of the national population comprises the indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) (close to 14%)1 who are still very much dependent on forest resources for their livelihoods. The forest ecosystem is increasingly recognised to providing important social, economic, and cultural life support. It also ensures environmental stability and ecological balance, thus playing a special role in regulating climate change. Malaysia’s efforts to formulate the Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 address its obligations under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1993 - an international legally-binding treaty - with three main goals: conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of biodiversity, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The strategic plan is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2016-2030. Malaysia has been giving increasing attention to the social aspects of forestry development. Poverty, whether absolute or relative, remains to plague forest-dependent IPLCs. To alleviate poverty among villagers in these communities, various social forestry related efforts have been taken by the Malaysian Federal and State Governments, particularly through Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah Forestry Department, and Forest Department Sarawak. The Malaysian government’s focus is to continue to uplift the living standards of these communities, which are also part of the B40 (bottom 40%) income group. Executive Summary Footnote 1 International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), 2021 9 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 Even though there have been implementations of social forestry-related projects over the last few decades, there is a general lack of direction at the national level. While the three regions in Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak) have their definitions of social forestry, no definition exists at the national level. Formulating a national definition and strategy for social forestry is important for nation-building, incorporating policies, laws, projects, financing, and capacity building efforts to address national issues. Recognising the absence of a national social forestry strategic plan, three regional and one national workshops on social forestry were held in 2016. The objectives of the workshops are to identify the issues and challenges, harmonise a definition of social forestry, and propose a social forestry strategic plan of action. In the concluding national workshop, a consensus was reached on the national definition, vision, and mission of social forestry. Based on the common understanding, the three regions outlined their strategic plan at the regional level. The strategic plan was finalised in 2021 after discussions with representatives from the three forestry departments: Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 consists of four strategic thrusts. The first thrust relates to policies, legislations and governance focusing on land-use and communal forest. The second thrust concerns awareness and capacity building, including education, partnership, expertise engagement, database, and social forestry model development. The third thrust covers financial instruments to ensure secured, continuous financing. The fourth thrust is on sustainable management of forest resources to uplift socio-economic livelihood and benefit sharing. The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 provides the direction and framework for implementing social forestry programmes in Malaysia, and is aligned with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, the 12th Malaysia Plan, and other related policies and legislations. 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 Develop policies, legislation, and strategies for the implementation of social forestry in Malaysia Manage forest resources, land-use and environmental sustainability Involve actively indigenous peoples, local communities, and stakeholders in forest management Improve the socio-economic conditions of indigenous peoples and local communities Manage and resolve conflicts Promote social forestry practices to other sectors The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 aims to achieve the following: Principles of Social Forestry Strategic Plan 7 Reduce indigenous peoples and local communities dependency on natural forest7 11 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 Local community delivering rattan seedlings to one of the social forestry sites in Ulu Menyang, Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 1 Chapter INTRODUCTION The World Scenario The Malaysian Situation The World Scenario The 21st century is witnessing tumultuous changes in the Earth’s biosphere, as the human population grows amidst declining natural resources and debilitating effects of climate change. The world population of 7.6 billion in 2018 forecasted to grow to 9.8 billion by 2050. The corresponding global demand for food is estimated to grow by 50% between 2018 and 2050 (FAO 2018). This growth would result in further deforestation due to the conversion of forest land for agricultural and livestock use. The Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), coordinated by FAO, found that the world’s forest areas have decreased from 31.6% in 1990 to 30.6% in 2015 (FAO 2018). In general, land-use changes result in the loss of valuable natural habitats, land degradation, soil erosion, decrease in clean water, and the release of carbon into the atmosphere. This development threatens the livelihoods of peoples, especially the forest dependent indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and the variety of life on our planet. One of the greatest challenges is increasing agricultural production and improving food security without compromising the forests. From a global perspective, sustainable forest management is one of the solutions to this problem. Forest ecosystems support social, economic, and cultural aspects of human life and mitigate climate change by ensuring environmental stability and ecological balance. 1 Chapter Introduction 14 The Malaysian Situation About 13.6% of Malaysia’s population is dependent on forests (Table 1). This group, mostly indigenous peoples, bears the brunt of climate change and is vulnerable to socio-economic impacts caused by ineffective management of natural resources. Absolute poverty is mostly eradicated in Malaysia as its poverty incidence is currently less than 1%, found mainly in remote areas of the country. The current focus is on the B40 group, including the forest-dependent IPLCs which continue to sustain their daily living from forest resources. Since its formation in 1963, Malaysia has been giving increasing attention to social forestry. The development of social forestry in Malaysia results from the increasing awareness and recognition that the rural poor living within and adjacent to the forests have been sustaining themselves with forest resources for many generations. They have been using their customary land, legally recognised or implicitly respected, even before the enactment of land laws. As production is generally low and the market is relatively far from these populations, traditional use of this land has been associated with rural poverty. Poverty, absolute or relative, remains to plague these forest-dependent IPLCs. Table 1 Overview and key statistics of three regions in Malaysia (2018) Peninsular Malaysia Sabah Sarawak Malaysia Population (2017)* 25,302,700 3,953,500 2,766,300 32,022,500 Land area (hectares)* 13,178,600 7,390,400 12,445,000 33,052,400 Population density (per hectare) 1.9 0.5 0.2 1.0 Forested area (hectares) 5,758,261 4,767,448 7,747,777 18,273,486 Calculated % of forest/ land area 43.62% 64.51% 62.25% 55.31% Indigenous population (2017)** 198,000 2,233,100 1,932,600 4,363,700 Calculated % of indigenous population 0.8 56.5 69.9 13.6 Source: *Department of Statistics Malaysia, https://www.dosm.gov.my **International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), https://www.iwgia.org/en/malaysia 15 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 1: Introduction1 Recognising the need to alleviate poverty among the IPLCs living within and adjacent to forest reserves, social forestry-related efforts have been made by the Malaysian Federal and State Governments, the private sectors, and non governmental organisations (NGOs). In the early 1990s, with support from the Federal Government, the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah Forestry Department, and Forest Department Sarawak initiated special social forestry projects to uplift the living standards of the rural poor. Over the years, despite past implementations of social forestry-related projects, direction for social forestry development is generally lacking, particularly at the national level. In 2013, the following efforts were made by the three regional forest departments, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources with support from the ASEAN Social Forestry Network, Centre for People and Forests, and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Table 2: Social forestry-based programmes that led to the establishment of the Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 Programmes Year Assessment of Best Practices from Selected Social Forestry Sites in Malaysia 2013 National Workshop on Social Forestry and Climate Change 2013 with the theme “Social Forestry and Related Initiatives” October 2013 National Training on Social Forestry Issues and Good Practices October 2013 National Training on Social Forestry Issues, Conflict Management, and Local Engagement December 2013 These events revealed that while Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, each has its definition of social forestry, none exist at the national level. Recognising the absence of a national social forestry strategic plan, the three regions met in 2015 to discuss a roadmap for social forestry in Malaysia. Subsequently, in 2016, three regional and one national workshops on social forestry were held to formulate a national social forestry definition and roadmap with participation from government agencies, NGOs, IPLCs, and the private sectors. A consensus was reached on the national definition of social forestry with vision and mission. 16 A National Social Forestry Working Group Committee (NSFWGC) meeting was conducted in 2017. During the meeting, FRIM was requested to document inputs on social forestry programmes in the three regions. Continuous discussions were held between 2017 and 2021 to enhance and update documentation and inputs on social forestry programmes in the three regions and other stakeholders. The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021–2025 was drafted in 2018 and revised to meet the changing needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on common understanding, each region outlined its strategic plan at a regional level. The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021–2025 was finalised in 2021. 01 5-7 April 2016 Workshop on Development of a National Roadmap on Social Forestry in Sabah 17-19 May 2016 Workshop on Development of a National Roadmap on Social Forestry in Sarawak 2021 The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia (2021-2025) is revised and finalised 2017 National Social Forestry Working Group Committee (NSFWGC) meeting 12-15 Apr 2016 Consultation Session on Development of a National Roadmap on Social Forestry in Peninsular Malaysia 28-30 Nov 2018 Meeting with the three regions to finalize the document for Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia (2021-2025) 2-4 Aug 2016 National Workshop on Development of a National Roadmap on Social Forestry in Malaysia 02 03 04 05 06 07 Requested to document inputs on social forestry in Malaysia Series of meetings Figure 2 Timeline of events leading to the establishment of Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 17 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 1: Introduction1 Ulu Tampik Waterfall is one of social forestry sites in Peninsular Malaysia Photo by Forest Research Institute Malaysia 2 Chapter SOCIAL FORESTRY IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 12th Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 11th Malaysia Plan 2016-2020 Malaysia Policy on Forestry National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025 National Forestry Act 1984 Forestry Policy of Peninsular Malaysia Sabah Forest Policy 2018 Sarawak Forest Policy 2019 Forest Enactment 1968, Sabah Forest Ordinance 2015, Sarawak Social Forestry in the Context of a National Development Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 aims to make Malaysia achieve sustainable economic growth and fair, equitable, and inclusive economic distribution across all income groups, ethnicities, regions, and supply chains. Principle 15.5 in Guiding Principle 15 emphasises “strengthening environmental conservation and natural resources in development planning.” KEGA 15 of Strategic Thrust 2 proposes “agrotourism and ecotourism as tourism-integrated activities under Key Economic Growth Activities. These activities encourage efforts to improve local content and business, provide benefit to environmental rehabilitation and enhance health services as well as celebrate Malaysia’s cultural diversity.” 12th Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 Strategy B3, Priority Area B, Chapter 8, Theme 3 aims to ensure and strengthen sustainable utilisation and equitable benefits from natural resources utilisation. T W E L F T H M A L A Y S IA P L A N 2 0 2 1-2 0 2 5 A P R O S P E R O U S , IN C L U S IV E , S U S TA IN A B L E M A L A Y S IA Economic Planning Unit Prime Minister’s Department Setia Perdana 5 & Setia Perdana 6 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia Tel: +603 8000 8000 Fax: +603 8888 3755 Website: https://www.epu.gov.my 2O21-2025 a prosperous, inclusive, sustainable malaysia 2Chapter The establishment of the Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 will support the policies and legislation below: 20 “Natural resources must be sustainably utilised throughout the whole Diversifying Conservation Funding value chain to optimise their values. The benefits from utilising these resources must also be distributed equitably among different segments of society. In this respect, efforts will strengthen the sustainable utilisation of natural resources, enhance mineral resources management, diversify conservation funding, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits. These initiatives will ensure benefit sharing and sustainable use of natural resources, in line with Goals 2, 14 and 15 of the 2030 Agenda.” “In order to promote sustainable tourism, an assessment on the carrying capacity of terrestrial and marine tourism sites will be conducted. Industry players will be encouraged to adopt green practices to ensure the tourism activities are sustainable.” Strategy C1 and C3 under Priority Area C, Chapter 8, Theme 3, focuses on strengthening environmental governance and instilling a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. 11th Malaysia Plan 2016-2020 Strategy C2 of Strategic Thrust 6 states, “Enhancing alternative livelihood for indigenous and local communities by involving them in biodiversity conservation and empowering them for alternative economic opportunities.” “The Eleventh Plan reaffirms the Government’s commitment to a vision of growth that is anchored on the prosperity and well-being of its rakyat.” “The peoples’ economy will be given priority, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to bring further development to the people by enriching their lives, providing people dignity, and 21 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 2: Social Forestry in the Context of National Development2 uplifting their potential to partake in the prosperity that is generated. All segments of society must benefit from the country’s economic prosperity to create an advanced economy and inclusive nation by 2020.” Malaysia Policy on Forestry The Malaysia Policy on Forestry aims to manage the permanent reserved forest to maximise social, economic, and environmental benefits in the nation’s interest and in line with the principles of sustainable management. The policy states its goal to “increase the involvement of local communities to actively participate in various forestry development projects and maintain their involvement in forest farming programmes.” “Develop a community forestry programme to meet the needs of society both inside and outside the city.” National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025 Malaysia is committed to conserving its biological diversity, promoting its sustainable use, and ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of biological resources. Goal 1 Target 2 states that “by 2025, the contribution of indigenous people and local communities, civil society, and the private sectors to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity will have increased significantly.” M A L A Y S IA P O L IC Y O N F O R E S T R Y MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES Wisma Sumber Asli No.25 Persiaran Perdana, Presint 4 62574 Putrajaya, Malaysia +603 8000 8000 +603 8889 2672 www.ketsa.gov.my MALAYSIA POLICY ON FORESTRY MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES 22 National Forestry Act 1984 The National Forestry Act aims to provide for the administration, management, and conservation of forests and forestry development within the States of Malaysia and for connected purposes. “In exercising the powers under section 45, the State Authority shall give due consideration to the necessity of protecting the forest and the environment and to the recreational and other needs of the public.” (Section 46). Forestry Policy of Peninsular Malaysia The Forestry Policy of Peninsular Malaysia provides directions to the forestry sector in Peninsular Malaysia, enable it to strengthen its role in supporting economic growth and also providing prosperous life stability to the people. Emphasis towards forest management, development, conservation, and restoration will be sustainably given in tandem with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 initiatives. Sabah Forest Policy 2018 Social forestry is well supported and promoted by the Sabah Forestry Department. The Sabah Forest Policy 2018 consists in Thrust 5: Social Welfare, promoted social forestry with the objective of strengthening the involvement of local communities in the implementation of forest management activities. In this Thrust, there are two strategies outlined, namely: (1) to recognise community involvement in forest management in forest management activities and (2) to encourage indigenous participation in the forestry industry. D A S A R P E R H U TA N A N S E M E N A N J U N G M A LA Y S IA d a s a r p e r h u t a n a n s e m e n a n j u n g m a l a y s i a JABATAN PERHUTANAN SEMENANJUNG MALAYSIA KEMENTERIAN TENAGA DAN SUMBER ASLI FORESTRY DEPARTMENT OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES FO R E S TR Y P O LIC Y O F P E N IN S U LA R M A LA Y S IA FORESTRY POLICY OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, 50660 Kuala Lumpur 03-2616 4488 03-2692 5657 23 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 2: Social Forestry in the Context of National Development2 Sarawak Forest Policy 2019 The Sarawak Forest Policy aims to manage permanent forest estates that benefit the economy, society, and environment under the principles of sustainable forest management. One of the objectives of the Policy is to foster community and urban forestry programmes for community well-being through ecotourism, education, and training. Strategic Thrust 8 on Social and Urban Forestry states that the “social forestry programme is beneficial to the communities that depend on forests as a source of livelihood. Urban forest programme seeks to improve the communities’ quality of life while providing recreational facilities and serve as ‘green lung’ to the cities”. Forest Enactment 1968, Sabah The Sabah’s Forest Enactment 1968 replaces the law relating to the preservation of forests and the regulation and control of dealing with forest produce. This enactment provides power to exercise native rights while practising social forestry programmes. “Subject to any provisions of the rules prohibiting or regulating the cutting or removal of any specified form of forest produce or prohibiting or regulating the cutting or removal of all or any forest produce in any specified locality, nothing in this Enactment shall be deemed to prohibit the cutting and removal from State land which is not for the time being in the lawful occupation of some person or, with the permission of the owner thereof, from alienated land, by any native of any timber, atap or other forest produce which may be necessary – (a) for the construction or repair of a dwelling-house for the abode of himself and his family; (b) for the FOR REFERENCE ONLY (January 2017) 1 STATE OF SABAH FOREST ENACTMENT, 1968 (Sabah No. 2 of 1968) ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART I PRELIMINARY Section 1. Short title and commencement. 2. Interpretation. 3. Appointment of officers. 4. Functions of officers. PART IA FOREST REHABILITATION FUND 4A. Establishment and administration of Forest Rehabilitation Fund. 4B. Moneys to be paid into the Fund. 4C. Purpose of the Fund. 4D. Accounts and audit. 4E. Forest rehabilitation. PART II FOREST RESERVES 5. Power to constitute Forest Reserves. To verify the true copy of the document received, please access this link. URL Link:http://www.highcourt.sabah.sarawak.gov.my/apps/highcourt/sabah/verify Verification Code: 12-744537-2922518-3348066 Enclosure No. : 21 Verification Code:12-744537-2922518-3348066 Digitally Signed by PITRUS LEE @ PETRUS, The High Court in Sabah & Sarawak. Signing Date:17.01.2018 14:43:33 +0800 24 LAWS OF SARAWAK Chapter 71 FORESTS ORDINANCE, 2015 i construction of fences and temporary huts on any land lawfully occupied by him; (c) for the construction or repair of native boats; (d) for the upkeep of his fishing stakes and landing places; (e) for firewood to be consumed for his domestic purposes; or (f) for the construction and upkeep of clinics, schools, community halls, places of worship, bridges, and any work for the common benefit of the native inhabitants of his kampung.” (Section 41: Saving of Native Rights). Forest Ordinance 2015, Sarawak The Forest Ordinance 2015, Sarawak provides power to constitute a communal forest. Part IV of the ordinance touches on all laws related to the constitution of communal forest in Sarawak. “The native community shall undertake to maintain the communal forest in a condition of sustained yield in such a manner as the Director or any forest officer authorised by him may direct, and for this purpose, the Director or any forest officer authorised by him may regulate the method and extent of any felling or other operations.” (Section 36: Community to Maintain Communal Forest). 25 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 2: Social Forestry in the Context of National Development2 Local community restoring degraded riparian in Kampung Batu Putih, Sabah Photo by MESCOT/KOPEL 3Chapter SOCIAL FORESTRY PRACTICES IN MALAYSIA Social Forestry Practices in General Social Forestry Practices in Peninsular Malaysia Social Forestry Practices in Sabah Social Forestry Practices in Sarawak Social Forestry Practices in General The social forestry practices differ among the three regions in Malaysia. It is generally given more emphasis in Sabah and Sarawak, where relatively more forest-dependent indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) are found. As shown in Table 1, less than 1% of the population in Peninsular Malaysia are indigenous peoples compared to 57% in Sabah and 70% in Sarawak. In general, the social forestry practices in Malaysia include agroforestry, joint forest management (JFM), ecotourism, biodiversity conservation, forest restoration and rehabilitation, awareness-raising, capacity building, income generation, and infrastructure development. Malaysia has played an active role in social forestry development at the international level. In 2014, Malaysia organised the ASEAN Social Forestry Network (ASFN) 5th Conference and 8th Meeting with the theme “Enhancing Livelihood and Conservation Benefits from Social Forestry towards a Green ASEAN Community.” 3Chapter The Asean Social Forestry Network Meeting and Conference at Kota Kinabalu, 2014 Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 28 Social Forestry Practices in Peninsular Malaysia The social forestry initiatives in Peninsular Malaysia began in the 1950s from a small scale agroforestry practice for forest rehabilitation purposes. This practice is known as the taungya system. This practice was introduced in Mata Ayer Forest Reserve in Perlis, which involved planting cash crops, mainly hill paddy and tobacco, between rows of teak seedlings. Subsequently, it was further expanded to northern Perak with the planting of Gmelina arborea (yemane) intercropped with tobacco in an area of about 200 hectares. The first Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia agroforestry project at a bigger scale was in Kenaboi, Gallah, and Setul forest reserves in Negeri Sembilan, covering an area of 780 hectares from 1968 to 1974. The project involved planting indigenous and exotic trees species, mainly Shorea spp, Dryobalanops aromatica, Anthocephalus chinensis, Toona sureni, Swietenia macrophylla, Gmelina arborea, Pinus spp. and Araucaria spp. interrow with other agricultural cash crops such as banana, papaya, pineapple, chilli, pumpkin, maize, groundnut, sweet potato, watermelon, yam, and ginger. The social forestry practices have expanded to other activities such as rehabilitation of coastal areas through the Tree Planting Programme with Mangroves and other Suitable Species along National Coastlines. The programme received participation from local communities and was conducted in several states in Peninsular Malaysia every year. Other social forestry practices in Peninsular Malaysia include community based ecotourism in recreational parks, the establishment of nurseries by the local community, and awareness and education programmes. These practices were organised by government agencies, private sectors, and other stakeholders to raise awareness among IPLCs on social forestry. The social forestry programmes implemented comprised of four main pillars: Figure 3 Pillars of social forestry in Peninsular Malaysia 1 2 3 4 Increase the involvement of IPLCs in SF development projects or programmes to uplift the community livelihoods Reduce forest encroachment through cooperation between the forestry department and the IPLCs Increase awareness among the IPLCs on the conservation of forest resources and biodiversity through CEPA programmes Restoring and improving the productivity of degraded land and forest cover through SF 29 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Kuala Gula is a fishing village located on the northern coast of Kuala Kurau, Kerian District, Perak. There are six permanent reserved forests adjacent to Kuala Gula with a total area of 11,304 hectares. The Perak State Forestry Department sustainably and strategically manages these forests through a 10-yearly Matang Mangrove Forest Management Plan. Kuala Gula has become a popular stopover habitat for migratory birds such as Mycteria cinerea (milky stork) and Leptoptilos javanicus (lesser adjutant), listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Realising the socio-economic and environmental importance of mangrove forests, the Kuala Gula community has taken the initiative to conserve and preserve the coastal area by establishing the Kuala Gula Mangrove Forest Friends Association in 2005. The association’s main activity is planting trees in open mangrove areas. The tree planting activity involves the Kuala Gula community and includes volunteers from primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, private companies, NGOs, and government agencies. To ensure the supply of mangrove seedlings is always sufficient, the Kuala Gula community established a Community Nursery Site. The Kuala Gula community collectively does nursery work. Members of the local community who carry out the work are paid an allowance by the Kuala Gula Mangrove Forest Friends Association. The operation of the nursery indirectly creates job opportunities and side income for the local community. The Kuala Gula community is also actively involved in raising awareness of the residents who participate in programmes continuously organised by the forestry department. The Kuala Gula community have achieved multiple successes in preserving and conserving the mangrove forest. Among them are: • Planted approximately one million mangrove trees in open areas; • Produced forest-based local food products (such as jeruju tea, jeruju crackers, piai chips, berembang jam and api-api fruits); • Produced handicraft products from clamshells and snail shells; and • Increased local community monthly income between RM100 to RM300 for some households. Conservation of Mangrove Forest through the Involvement of Local Community in Kuala Gula, Perak (2005-present) 1 2 3 4 30 Local community transferring mangrove seedlings to be planted Photo by Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia Tree planting programme as one of social forestry activities conducted by local community in Kuala Gula, Perak Photo by Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia 31 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Established in 1997 and gazetted in 2008, the Perlis State Park is the first state park established in Peninsular Malaysia. It is situated on the longest continuous range of limestone hills in the country, the Nakawan Range. The range is well-known for its heavily forested slopes, sheer cliff faces, streams, and extensive cave systems. Some of the major attractions in the Perlis State Park include various caves such as Gua Kelam and Gua Wang Burma, located within the 500 million-year-old Setul limestone. The park consists of Mata Ayer Forest Reserve and Wang Mu Forest Reserve with about 5,000 hectares, providing living habitats for the unique stump-tail macaque and plants like ginger, ferns, and balsams. To conserve the uniqueness of the Perlis State Park, FDPM, in collaboration with the Perlis Forestry Department, implements PSPResQ and PSPFG, aiming to raise awareness on the role of the local community in sustainable forest management that would indirectly enhance local livelihoods. Perlis State Park Restoration Community Project (PSPResQ) and Perlis State Park Forest Guide (PSPFG), (2017-present) Project implementors - Perlis Forest Department and the local community of Kampung Wang Kelian Photo by Perlis State Forestry Department 32 This project involves the local community from Kampung Wang Kelian, the only village close to the park, focusing on establishing a nursery, providing planting materials and equipment, and conducting nursery related training. Community members are also trained as nature guides who provide study tour services to visitors. Nursery built with participation from local community near Wang Kelian Forest Reserve, Perlis Photo by Perlis State Forestry Department Jungle trekking is one of the activities practiced in this social forestry site Photo by Perlis State Forestry Department 33 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Ulu Tampik Waterfall (UTW), located in Compartment 51, Lentang Forest Reserve, is managed by the Bentong District Forest Office, Pahang. It is known for its seven-tier waterfall and close vicinity (50 kilometres) to the metropolitan city of Kuala Lumpur. The UTW has become a popular recreational and ecotourism destination among visitors who enjoy outdoor activities. Along the way to the top of the falls, various flora and fauna can be found. Among the high-value timber in the UTW includes Shorea platyclados (meranti bukit), Shorea leprosula (meranti tembaga), Shorea pauciflora (meranti nemesu), Ochanostachys amentacea (petaling), Blumeodendron tokbrai (gaham badak), Archidendron clypearia (jering bukit) and many more. Fauna species that could be observed include Macaca nemestrina (southern pig-tailed macaque), Lariscus insignis (three-striped ground squirrel), Halcyon gularis (white-throated kingfisher), Pycnonotus plumosus (olive-winged bulbul), Oriolus xanthonotus (dark throated oriole), Enicurus ruficapillus (chestnut-naped forktail), Xenophrys longipes (long-legged horned frog), and many more. Conservation of Ulu Tampik Waterfall, Lentang Forest Reserve, through Community-based Ecotourism Project in Janda Baik, Pahang, (2016-present) Local community conducting visit to Ulu Tampik Waterfall, Lentang Forest Reserve, Pahang in 2018 Photo by Forest Research Institute Malaysia 34 The villagers’ interest in conserving the UTW has resulted in an ecotourism-based conservation programme implemented by the local community, with support from the Pahang State Forestry Department, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, and Tourism Pahang, in addition to international organisations such as the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and ASEAN Social Forestry Network Strategic Response Fund to create financial incentives for strengthening local community involvement in biodiversity conservation. Activities carried out at the UTW include the following: Baseline research studies (2016); Stakeholder consultations at the local level (2018); Establishment of JFM mechanisms through Sahabat Alam Tampik Janda Baik Association (2018); and Workshops on ecotourism development and capacity building (2019). Tree tagging for preparation of interpretation trail in Janda Baik, Bentong, Pahang in 2019 Photo by Forest Research Institute Malaysia 1 2 3 4 35 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 The Chemerong-Berembun-Lansir (CBL) climbing activity in Dungun, Terengganu, involves Mount Chemerong, Mount Berembun, and Mount Lansir. The total distance of the climbing route is approximately 13 kilometres. This activity is one of the attractions for domestic and foreign tourists to visit Terengganu. Based on the Terengganu State Forestry Department (TSFD), the CBL trail has received a total of 4,662 visitors in 2019 and 1,322 visitors in 2020. The decreasing number of visitors in 2020 was due to the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world. The TSFD has implemented the Pilot Project of Mountain Guide, also known as Malim Gunung of CBL, from 2016 to resolve mountaineering issues and improve existing forest management such as enforcement and conservation. In 2018, TSFD granted a Use Permit to the Malim Gunung Dungun Association for an area of six hectares. The permit enables the association to manage matters related to the CBL mountain climbing, besides assisting the TSFD in the conservation, cleanliness, and safety of the mountain. Each climbing application will use the services provided by the Malim Gunung Dungun Association with a ratio of one Malim Gunung for a maximum of 12 climbers. However, to preserve the CBL’s sustainability, climbers are limited to 60 people per day. The Malim Gunung Dungun Association has also attended a basic rescue course organised by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Team to ensure that all Malim Gunung are trained and can act quickly in an emergency. Each Malim Gunung is also provided with a first aid box during the climb. Most of the members of this association are volunteer fire fighters. Ecotourism and Recreation Activities by Malim Gunung Dungun Association, (2016-present ) A group of local guides trained as Malim Gunung Photo by Terengganu State Forestry Department 36 Local community trained as nature guide assisting visitors while going downhill the Chemerong Berembun-Langsir trail Photo by Terengganu State Forestry Department Chemerong Waterfall, major attraction spot at the top of Chemerong-Berembun-Langsir trail Photo by Terengganu State Forestry Department 37 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Social Forestry Practices in Sabah This project is designed to meet the needs of Sabah by building capacity and understanding on ways to engage local communities in forest management and rehabilitation effectively, both on Government and community land. The project adds to the State’s experience developing and implementing the planned Sabah REDD+ Strategy. It is jointly carried out by the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, and Sabah Wildlife Department on several villages of IPLCs in collaboration with relevant stakeholders (particularly KOPEL Berhad and Sawit Kinabalu). Social forestry is part of Sabah’s sustainable forest management (SFM) strategy to achieve the three pillars of SFM, viz. environmental, economic, and social objectives. The development of social forestry in Sabah is closely related to poverty, especially in rural areas. In the 1980s, SFD identified that most of the hardcore poor people were those living adjacent to and within the forest reserves practising subsistence agriculture. Since then, SFD began to emphasise the social aspects of forestry. In 1984, SFD promoted social forestry to alleviate the hardcore poverty of villagers living within and around forest reserves. The social forestry approach was viewed as more favourable in tackling ‘encroachments’ in forest reserves occupied by local communities. Several social forestry projects have been implemented, including the following: The Sabah EU - REDD+ Project - Tackling Climate Change through SFM and Community Development, (2014 - 2021) Forest restoration effors in Gana Forest Reserve by Kampung Gana community Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 38 This programme aims to demonstrate community-based forest management initiatives and REDD+ in Sabah. The programme’s overarching objective is to contribute to the sustainable and low carbon development of Sabah, while its specific objective is to improve Sabah’s REDD+ readiness and implementation through REDD+ demonstration activities to strengthen community engagement in forest protection and pro-poor sustainable forest management. The target groups are IPLCs living in Kg. Gana, Kinabatangan Corridor, and Kinabalu Ecolinc. The final beneficiaries are the forest-based or forest-dependent communities and the related government agencies in Sabah. Sustainable forest management is conducted within three pilot geographical areas in partnership with the local communities to enhance community benefits. The five activities are as follows: • Documentation and sharing of community forest protection, management and livelihood experiences; • Community-based protection and rehabilitation of water catchments in Gana Forest Reserve and community-based agroforestry in degraded lands in and adjacent to Lingkabau Forest Reserve; • Development of REDD+ strategy for forest conservation in the Kinabatangan Corridor; • Enhancement of forest protection and rehabilitation within the Batu Puteh-Deramakot-Malua-Segaliud Lokan forest landscape; and • Establishment and restoration of community conserved areas (CCAs) and development of sustainable agriculture and forest related community tourism options to support forest management. Carbon Stock Assessment by the community of Kampung Gana community at the Heritage Forest Community-Conserved Area Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 1 2 3 4 5 39 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Community development programs under the EU-REDD+ initiatives Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 40 The MESCOT Initiative (Model for Ecologically Sustainable Community Conservation and Tourism) is a community-based ecotourism programme established in 1997. KOPEL Bhd. was established much later in 2003 by the local communities from four villages (with about 300 members, mostly unemployed villagers and youths) to carry out ecotourism, homestay, and forest restoration activities on behalf of MESCOT. The immediate aims are to relieve the pressure on the remaining forest resources and address the issue of rural poverty in the area. Strategies adopted are (1) developing alternative and sustainable income sources; (2) empowering local communities to protect their cultural and natural heritage; and (3) taking responsibility for the conservation of the forest. The major activities include the following: Seed collecting and replanting degraded riparian forests Silviculture and restoring critical wildlife habitat in Pin Supu Forest Reserve Lake restoration by removing the invasive Salvinia molesta Community based ecotourism at Tungog Rainforest Eco-camp Homestay programme at Miso Walai Homestay MESCOT and KOPEL Initiatives, Kinabatangan, (1997 – present) Figure 4 Major activities of social foresty under the Model for Ecologically Sustainable Community Conservation and Tourism and KOPEL initiatives 41 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Riparian forest restoration by locals through Model for Ecologically Sustainable Community Conservation and Tourism initiatives using local riparian species Photo by Sabah Forestry Department Boat tour along the Kinabatangan river guided by locals is one of the ecotourism activities under Model for Ecologically Sustainable Community Conservation and Tourism initiatives Photo by Forest Research Institute Malaysia 42 Kelawat Forest Reserve (KFR) was gazetted as a Class I-Protection Forest in 1962. Its size is only 201 hectares but plays a very important role as a water catchment area to three villages. The area is hilly with steep terrain. It consists of two main watersheds draining to the east (Kelawat River) and south (Lapai River). KFR stands as an “island” of forest within the cultivated agricultural landscape. In the late 1980s, approximately 75% of KFR was devoid of natural vegetation due to fire and farming activities for more than a decade by migrating local communities. As a result, its natural ecological conditions and biodiversity were significantly altered and drastically reduced its watershed function. This created conflicts between SFD, the migrating community, and wet-paddy farmers living around KFR. The initiated joint forest management (JFM) programme sought to develop partnerships between SFD and the communities to manage KFR sustainably, based on trust and mutually agreed defined “rights” and responsibilities to achieve the following intended outcomes: • The remaining natural forest rehabilitated and conserved; • Biodiversity and watershed functions in denuded areas restored by adopting an agroforestry system; and • Livelihood and income stability of individual households improved. Kelawat Forest Reserve Joint Forest Management Project, Kota Belud (1990 – present) The happy community of Kampung Ponopuan, Kelawat Forest Reserve Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 1 2 3 43 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 The solution to the conflicts was implementing a social forestry programme based on a JFM approach through collaborative forest management between SFD and the local communities. The JFM initiative led to the reinstitution of biodiversity and the function of KFR as a water catchment area. At the same time, the initiative improved the living standards of the local communities. The project has shown success in restoring forest cover and income stability of the communities. The local communities have demonstrated the value of ecological and technical, and socio-cultural control of resources. The success of JFM in KFR is made possible as SFD was able to cooperate effectively with the local communities on an equal basis. Thus, KFR has become the model for future JFM projects in Sabah. The central philosophy behind the social forestry programme is the perception that it is possible to uplift the quality of life of the rural poor through community participation and engagement. In particular, the social forestry programme has helped the disadvantaged, the weak, and the resource-poor, who are the voiceless and marginalised people living within the forest reserve. Over the years, the treated forest would resemble a “natural forest” with a high and closed canopy, dense undergrowth, and a high level of biodiversity. 44 Kelawat Forest Reserve in 2008. The Joint Forest Management between Sabah Forestry Department and Kampung Ponopuan community successfuly restored the previously bald hills of Kelawat Forest Reserve within 10 years Photo by Sabah Forestry Department Photo of Kelawat Forest Reserve in 1991 Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 45 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 The Sabah Social Forestry and Climate Change Project is a collaborative effort between the State Government represented by the Sabah Forestry Department and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) regarding mutually agreed areas of research, training, capacity development, project implementation, outreach, and dissemination of research results. The objectives of the project include: To understand the dynamics, policies, and socio-economic drivers of landscape changes, climate events and inclusive governance, and the management of forests, including through social forestry; To examine the various impacts of climate and landscape changes on local livelihoods, and land and resource use practices; and To identify climate-resilient livelihood and resource management practices in the region through collaboration with stakeholders and explore the climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. A partnership was established between CIFOR and the Sabah Association for Social Forestry (SASOF) to coordinate activities conducted by the project. SASOF is a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement and coordination of social forestry in Sabah, whereby the current members are the Sabah Forestry Department, PACOS Trust, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), LEAP Spiral, JOAS, and Future Law. The project has successfully trained students from UMS and representatives from each member of SASOF on CIFOR methodologies for social research. The project is also producing a book namely the ‘Sabah Profile on Social Forestry’. Two postgraduate students were sponsored under this project. They had presented their respective studies on social forestry at the ASEAN-Swiss Partnership on Social Forestry and Climate Change (ASFCC) Knowledge Sharing and Closing Event in Jakarta, Indonesia, in February 2020. The activities are as highlighted below: Research collaboration between SASOF and CIFOR This activity was carried-out with the Orang Sungai communities of Mukim Kuamut, Tongod District. Activities such as Focus Group Discussions, Household Surveys, and Key Informant Interviews were conducted with the local communities from Kg Tungkuyan, Kg Tulang-tulang, Kg Kuamut, and Kg Desa Permai. Sabah Social Forestry and Climate Change Project (2018 2022) 1 2 3 46 Aerial view of Kampung Tungkuyan, an Orang Sungai community practising farming and fishing Photo by Sabah Forestry Department The research team which consist of Sabah Association for Social Forestry members and post graduate students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 47 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 The research team with the local community from Kampung Kuamut, after completing the Focus Group Discussion Photo by Sabah Forestry Department Capacity Building Training Sabah Association for Social Forestry members, students and lecturers were given training on Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) methodologies on social forestry research by Dr Moira Moeliono, Dr Daisuke Naito and Ms Cynthia Maharani from CIFOR. Practical session was conducted with a community at Tamparuli, Sabah Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 48 The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), one of the nature centres of the Sabah Forestry Department, has been organising activities designed to promote awareness of HoB since its inception. The activities are targeted at teachers, students, and the local communities living near forest reserves. The main activity in the roadshow is the HoB role-play game. Apart from that, additional activities include grass composting and an environmental treasure hunt. Heart of Borneo (HoB) Roadshow for Community (2014-present) The communities participated in the Heart of Borneo role-play game. In this picture, the community is playing the role of one of the stakeholders near their village. Photo by Sabah Forestry Department The community participated in the Grass Composting activity organised by Rainforest Discovery Centre Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 49 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Group comprising of women from the village during the Heart of Borneo role-play game. Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 50 Social Forestry Practices in Sarawak Of the total 12.4 million hectares of land area in Sarawak, 7.9 million hectares (64%) are under forest cover, comprising totally protected areas (TPA), permanent forest estate (PFE), and state land. In 2017, the population of Sarawak was 2.8 million, comprising 28 ethnic communities, of which 70% were indigenous people. The major ethnic groups are Iban, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau, and Orang Ulu. Despite modern influences, 1.93 million indigenous peoples in Sarawak still live under a subsistence livelihood with high dependency on the forest. They depend on the forest for food, housing materials (ramu), handicraft materials, herbs, and medicinal plants. The forest also serves as a burial site and the source of water supply. The first social forestry project carried out by FDS in the late 1980s was agroforestry with the involvement of IPLCs at the Sabal Forest Reserve. Replanted forests established on formerly abandoned shifting cultivation areas were also used for livestock grazing and planting rice, cash crops, and fruit trees. In 1992, as part of an initiative to further strengthen SFM policies and practices, FDS collaborated with ITTO to implement two projects, namely the ‘Development of Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary as a Totally Protected Area’, and ‘Transboundary Biodiversity Conservation: the Pulong Tau National Park’. Both projects aimed to uplift livelihoods through community development. FDS later formed a Community Service Initiative Unit (CSIU) in January 2011 to align with the efforts of the Sarawak Government in its rural and forestry development. The main objectives of CSIU were to coordinate community projects and complement social development activities implemented by the divisions and units in FDS. The unit was reformed to become the Social Forestry Division in 2016. Various social forestry programmes have benefited communities living within and near TPAs and PFE. The social forestry programmes implemented comprises five main pillars, which are: Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Increase Income and Uplifting Livelihood Human Capital Development Social Works and Community Services Restoration and Rehabilitation 21 3 4 5 Figure 5 Pillars of social forestry in Sarawak 51 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 The Pulong Tau National Park (PTNP) Project (2005 – 2017) Finish product of 32-metres long suspension bridge across the Kubaan River in Long Semirang, Upper, Baram, Miri, Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak These five pillars are the main guidelines in planning, implementing, and managing social forestry programmes in Sarawak. The implementation of social forestry programmes under these pillars provides IPLCs in Sarawak with more opportunities to explore, learn, and gain knowledge and skills. These experiences help meet their socio-economic, cultural, and environmental needs through sustainable management of forest resources with the cooperation of relevant stakeholders. The community-based activities aim to improve the livelihood of IPLCs. The social forestry programmes also aim to achieve world recognition in SFM, precision forestry, and viable projects for sustainable development. Highlights of the social forestry practices being implemented in Sarawak are as follow: This project is an ITTO-supported project that aims to secure the forest for use by indigenous communities, strengthen the protection of PTNP, and improve the livelihood of the Penan community with support from relevant stakeholders. Among the social forestry programmes implemented were: a 15-unit housing project and basic amenities for Penan in Ba’ Medamot; training and capacity building in basic carpentry; and the construction of a 32-metre long suspension bridge across Kubaan River in Long Semirang, Upper Baram, Miri. 1 2 3 52 Hill Salt Processing Facilities (2015 – present) Two photos vertically left - Old hill salt processing facilities Photo by Forest Department Sarawak Two photos vertically right - Upgraded hill salt processing facilities Photo by Forest Department Sarawak The hill salt processing facilities in Buduk Bui, Ba’Kelalan was officially launched in April 2017 to replace and upgrade the old facilities. The upgraded facilities comprise four building blocks equipped with a salt processing furnace, two burning stoves, one firewood storage hut, and other basic facilities. The new facilities can accommodate 1,600 litres of salt water compared to only 100 litres per day previously. The project has since helped uplift the livelihood and income level of the local communities from the sales at the airport and retails shops around Limbang and Miri. It is also one of the ecotourism products in the area. 53 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Tagang System (2009 – present) Zoning application in tagang system in Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak Monitoring of fisheries resources by indigenous peoples and local communities who practise tagang system in Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak The tagang system of restoring fish stocks in natural rivers has been introduced to the longhouse communities in Ulu Engkari, Ulu Menyang, and Ulu Mujok for quite some time. This system divides a selected river into three demarcated zones: red, yellow, and green. The red zone is for spawning, where fishing is strictly prohibited, the yellow zone is for controlled fishing, and the green zone is permitted for normal fishing. This system reduces the dependency of the local communities on forest resources while conserving the river ecosystem and improving their income. Eight longhouses have adopted this system. 54 Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Development Programmes (2016 – present) Exhibition and sell of handicrafts made by indigenous peoples and local communities during the Non-Timber Forest Products Carnival Photo by Forest Department Sarawak The development of NTFP comprises two components: organising the annual NTFP Carnival and running the enrichment planting programme. The carnival is an annual social forestry programme organised by FDS since 2016, enabling the IPLCs in Sarawak to exhibit, sell, promote their NTFP, and establish networking with potential buyers. More than 200 local communities usually participate in the carnival with an average annual sale of more than RM80,000.00. With regards to the second component of the NTFP programmes, since July 2018, FDS has been collaborating with the Sarawak Energy Berhad in an enrichment planting programme in Murum Resettlement with the involvement of the local communities. Some of the NTFPs planted are rattan and agarwood (gaharu). 55 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Pua kumbu made by a local in Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 56 In-situ Education Project (2014 – present) Environmental Galley and Herbs and Medicinal Plants of SK Kampung Seberang, Kuala Lawas Photo by Forest Department Sarawak The Environmental Gallery and Herbs and Medicinal Plants Garden at SK Kampung Seberang, Kuala Lawas, is part of an in-situ education project collaborating with various timber companies within the area. The project was officially launched on 22nd August 2017 with a total area of 13,500 square feet, where more than 120 species of herbs and medicinal plants were planted. The gallery exhibits information on the forest for education and awareness purposes. Similar projects were done in Sarikei for SK Adin, SK Ba’Kelalan, SK St. Andrew, and SK Abang Haji Matahir. In-situ education projects were implemented by establishing galleries, herbs and medicinal plants gardens, nature trails, and greenhouse programmes. These projects aim to provide continuous learning concepts to school children, teachers, and nearby communities. 57 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 The restoration of degraded forest areas through social forestry aims to ensure the continuous supply of forest resources and promote the involvement of IPLCs in restoration activities. Several nurseries are currently being revived in the Sabal Agroforestry Centre, Sarawak Tree Improvement Centre in Sibu, Niah Forest Research Station in Miri, Bintawa Nursery, Semenggok Nursery, Lundu Nursery, and Kem Kelesa Nursery. Some of the seeds and seedlings were bought from the local communities to provide additional income and educate them on forest restoration. Working opportunities are offered to the local communities to prepare and transport the seedlings and maintain the nurseries. As of September 2021, more than 220,000 seedlings from various timber and non-timber species collected from all over Sarawak were grown in the nurseries. The seedlings were then supplied and distributed to schools, higher learning institutions, and various agencies for education, awareness, and restoration purposes. Restoration and Rehabilitation Projects (2018 – present) Engkabang (Shorea macrophylla) seeds collected by the local communities in Ulu Mujok, Julau, Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 58 Exhibition and sell of handicrafts made by IPLCs during the NTFP Carnival Photo by Forest Department Sarawak Nursery established with involvement of locals in Sarawak Tree Improvement Centre (STIC) Oya, Sibu, Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 59 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 The objective of the human capital development programme is to enhance the knowledge and skills of the IPLCs for application in daily life, subsequently uplifting their livelihood. Some of the programmes implemented include: Basic carpentry and electrical courses for 312 Penan (2016) and Iban longhouses communities in Batang Ai (2018), and Murum Resettlement (2016); Handicraft training participated by 108 local communities from all over Sarawak (2012, 2017, 2018, and 2019); A workshop for 18 local communities on “Community Engagement and Consultation at Gunung Lesong National Park” (2018); Ecotourism-based Reskill Upskill Training Programme for local communities in Ulu Engkari; and A workshop on the construction of fibreglass boats for 40 local Capacity Building Programme (2012 – present) Reskill Upskill Training Programme in Ulu Engkari, Lubok Antu, Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 1 2 3 4 5 60 Local community participated in carpentry training in Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 61 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 3: Social Forestry Practices in Malaysia 3 Increasing awareness through Communication, Education and Public Awareness programmes Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 4Chapter THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN Issues and Challenges Opportunities Addressing the issues and challenges and recognising potential opportunities of social forestry practices are essential in implementing the Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021–2025. Issues and Challenges The issues and challenges of social forestry practices identified during the regional and national social forestry workshops comprise the followings: 4Chapter 1 National policies, regulations, or guidelines on social forestry development Malaysia has no national policies, regulations, or guidelines on social forestry development, which are important for planning various social forestry programmes. Coordination between agencies in social forestry programmes implementation Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak have different social forestry development directions. Consequently, there is a lack of coordination in implementing social forestry programmes at the national level. Community involvement in social forestry programmes Many local communities are not aware of the availability of social forestry programmes, and hence, their involvement is minimal. There is a need to raise local awareness. 2 3 The Need for a National Social Forestry Strategic Plan 64 Public awareness and publicity on the importance of social forestry The general public is also not aware of the importance of social forestry development to the local communities, who are very much dependent on forest resources to sustain their daily livelihood. Consequently, implementation of any new, local project often neglects the presence of social forestry programmes. Market inaccessibility of social forestry products and services Many local communities reside in remote areas. Even though they have products and services to offer, marketing them is challenging. Marketing is a constrain to improving their socio economic livelihood. Clear boundary of social forestry projects Currently, local communities’ practice various social forestry related activities. However, for certain social forestry sites, there are no clear boundaries. Financial resources to implement social forestry programmes Even though the three regions have their social forestry pro grammes, they did not have adequate financial resources to implement all programmes. Consequently, the social forestry programmes did not meet the expected outcome. Documentation about social forestry-related customs, culture, and beliefs of the IPLCs A successful understanding of the local communities’ social, cultural, and religious livelihood is important for the effective implementation of social forestry programmes. However, there is a lack of information regarding this matter. 4 5 6 7 8 Existing social forestry generates limited revenue Due to limited market access and financial resources constrain, the current social forestry activities do not generate much income for the local communities. The inability to generate enough income has led to the migration of youths to urban areas. 9 65 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 4: The Need for a National Social Forestry Strategic Plan4 Land-use conflicts in the implementation of social forestry programmes Lack of proper planning on social forestry programmes often brings about land-use conflict at the local level, hindering the development of such programmes. Recognising these issues is crucial to developing an operational strategic plan to implement social forestry programmes and activities. 10 Boundary re-marking of Winokok Native forest by Bundu Tuhan villager themselves Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 66 Over the years, social forestry has been increasingly seen as imperative in Malaysia’s rural development strategy. Appropriate development of social forestry is a poten tial pathway to alleviate poverty among the rural populations, considering environ mental conservation at the same time. This development is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the plan et, and ensure prosperity for all. There are vast opportunities for social forestry de velopment to uplift rural livelihoods and strengthen national resilience to climate change effects in the following ways: Local exhibiting handicraft products in Non-Timber Forest Products carnival Photo by Forest Department Sarawak Generating income, creating employment, and eradicating poverty Nature provides the underlying foundation for good quality of life (Pascual et al. 2017). Social forestry development creates employment opportunities and provides an important source of income and livelihood. Social forestry activities involve forest product collection, processing and trading of NTFPs, and ecotourism. These activities contribute to employment creation, income generation, and poverty alleviation among the IPLCs. 1 Opportunities 67 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 4: The Need for a National Social Forestry Strategic Plan4 Contributing to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Social forestry is regarded as one of the major components of SFM; Social forestry has been used as an approach to deal with local conflicts through JFM; and Social forestry is the link to involve the IPLCs in forest conservation, restoration, utilisation, and protection. Contributing in reducing illegal harvesting of timber Raising the standards of living and increasing social forestry activities of the rural poor can reduce illegal timber harvesting by the IPLCs; and Increasing awareness on the importance of conserving the forest for the IPLCs livelihoods (for water, building materials, medicinal plants, and others) through social forestry. Increasing food security and production Utilising forest resources acts as a ‘safety net’ for the IPLCs in times of crop failures and economic slow-downs; Using forest plants, fruits, and roots by the rural communities as food, medicine, and building materials for generations; and Providing an important source of income through sales of forest products in times of need. 1 2 3 Locals conducting periodical monitoring around Tagal Hutan Winokok, Bundu Tuhan, Sabah Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 68 Adaptation and mitigation of climate change IPLCs living within or at the fringe of the forest areas can play a specific role in influencing microclimates. JFM is important in reducing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather conditions. JFM can also contribute to the same microclimate benefits in crop and livestock production. This is achieved through: Conserving and protecting forest biological resources (which complements biodiversity conservation, protection, and rehabilitation) by IPLCs; Increasing awareness and education to IPLCs on the importance of conservation; Enhancing carbon stock by increasing the number of trees planted, especially in degraded forests by IPLCs; and Creating a sense of ownership for specific forest areas among IPLCs. Contributing to Convention on Biological Diversity The forest-dependent IPLCs are important in terms of: Playing a role in forest resource conservation; Ensuring the sustainable utilisation of forest resources; and Attaining fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of forest resources through cooperation with other stakeholders. Contributing to United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals SF activities also contribute in attaining the SDGs through: Contribution to socio-cultural sustainability and providing additional income to the IPLCs; Increasing crop production of IPLCs through agroforestry projects; and Contribution to SFM by the IPLCs. 4 5 6 69 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 4: The Need for a National Social Forestry Strategic Plan4 Construction of houses to improve the livelihood of Penan community in Ba’Medamot, Sarawak Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 5Chapter STRATEGIC THRUSTS AND STRATEGIES Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 Strategic Thrust 1: Policy, Legislation & Governance Strategic Thrust 2: Awareness and Capacity Building Strategic Thrust 3: Financial Instruments Strategic Thrust 4: Forest Resources Management 1 2 3 4 5Chapter Policy, legislation and governance: Focusing on land-use and communal forest Awareness and capacity building: Social forestry model, expertise, database, enforcement, engagement and partnership, and education Financial instruments: Issue of continuous financing Forest resources management: Socio-economic livelihood, benefit-sharing Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021–2025 is developed based on the socio-economic needs of Malaysia’s three regions (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak). The plan comprises four strategic thrusts, namely: The strategies, action plans, collaborating partners, time frame, and expected outcomes are outlined in each strategic thrust. 72 STRATEGIC THRUSTS AND STRATEGIES Strategic Thrust 1: Policy, Legislation & Governance National policy, legislation, and governance are essential for the long-term planning and implementation of social forestry programmes in Malaysia. These involve establishing a clear social forestry policy statement, developing a social forestry model for best practices, resolving land-use issues, coordinating integrated governance, establishing social forestry guidelines, and formulating SOPs on social forestry. This thrust focuses on the need for a social forestry policy statement in resolving land-use issues and how best to implement relevant activities. Under this thrust, the strategies for the three regions are outlined below: Strategic Thrust 1: Policy, Legislation and Governance Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome PENINSULAR MALAYSIA (1) Establish a clear SF policy statement (a) Form a committee (b) Hold stakeholder consultations Related government agencies, NGOs, private sector and IPLCs 2021 2022 Policy statement on SF approved by the government SABAH (1) Resolve land use issues Establish (a) State technical working group on NCR land (b) Community forestry committee (c) NCR land mapping committee NGOs, licensees, government agencies, and IPLCs 2021 2025 (a) State technical working group formed (b) Native customary land claimed resolved (c) Technical Working Group and guidelines on NCR conflict resolution established (d) NCR land mapped 73 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 5: Strategic Thrusts and Strategies5 Strategic Thrust 1: Policy, Legislation and Governance Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome SABAH (2) Establish integrated governance Formulate community protocol based on customary law to govern SF area IPLCs, government, NGOs, and community-based organisations 2021 2025 Protocol established and recognized by government and Native Court SARAWAK (1) Develop SF guidelines and formulate SOP on CF management (a) Conduct baseline study (b) Form technical working committee (c) Organise stakeholder consultations (d) Formulate guidelines with IPLCs involvement (d) Exchange knowledge through workshops, trainings and study tours Federal and Sarawak governments, private sector, NGOs, IPLCs and all relevant stakeholders 2021 2025 (a) Guidelines on innovative and sustainable management of SF established (b) SOP on CF formulated (c) SF incorporated in forest management plans 74 Strategic Thrust 2: Awareness and Capacity Building Raising awareness of social forestry among the stakeholders and forestry staff is important in achieving the planned activities. This strategic thrust is meant to raise awareness through education and partnership. It also covers capacity building by engaging experts and developing a database and a social forestry model. Under this thrust, the strategies and actions are outlined below: Strategic Thrust 2: Awareness and Capacity Building Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome PENINSULAR MALAYSIA (1) Develop a SF model for best practices (a) Establish a selection committee (b) Document SF model (c) Establish SF pilot model FDPM, IPLCs and relevant agencies 2021 2022 Model on best practices on SF developed (2) Develop expertise in SF (a) Identify appropriate trainings on SF (b) Establish working group on SF FDPM, IPLCs and related stakeholders 2021 2025 (a) Knowledge and skills in SF among stakeholders enhanced (b) A working group on SF is established (3) Develop database on SF (a) Identify and record existing SF projects FDPM, FRIM, and IPLCs 2021 2025 (a) Planning and implementation of effective SF (b) Data is incorporated into national SF database 75 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 5: Strategic Thrusts and Strategies5 Strategic Thrust 2: Awareness and Capacity Building Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome PENINSULAR MALAYSIA (4) Increase community awareness on SF and strengthen actions on integrated enforcement (a) Implement CEPA activities (b) Create enforcement network (c) Create monitoring agent among IPLCs IPLCs and relevant enforcement agencies 2021 2025 (a) Community awareness increased (b) Forest is protected (5) Increase and strengthen community involvement in SF activities (a) Incorporate SF scope in Forest Management Plan (b) Identify intermediary within communities (c) Achieve consensus between communities and government agencies (d) Acknowledge community involvement (e) Share SF experience (f) Promote activities on social media FDPM, relevant agencies, NGOs, and IPLCs 2021 2025 (a) More SF manpower employed (b) Integrated SF monitoring system established (c) Joint impact monitoring implemented (d) Programmes on human development and environmental education implemented (e) Improved capacity building and participation in SF SABAH (1) Increase human resources and development in SF management and enforcement (a) Increase manpower in the relevant departments and agencies, hiring IPLCs when possible (b) Establish integrated monitoring system (c) Implement joint impact monitoring with involvement from IPLCs (d) Implement programmes on human development and environmental education (e) Conduct capacity building for Community Development Officer (f) Enhance participation and capacity building for women in forest management SFD, relevant agencies, NGOs, and IPLCs 2021 2025 (a) More SF manpower employed (b) Integrated SF monitoring system established (c) Joint impact monitoring implemented (d) Programmes on human development and environmental education implemented (e) Improved capacity building and participation in SF 76 Strategic Thrust 2: Awareness and Capacity Building Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome SABAH (2) Enhance public awareness programme (a) Establish SFM & SF information and interpretation centre (b) Promote public awareness through road shows, dialogue, and social media SFD, relevant agencies, NGOs, and IPLCs 2021 2025 (a) Information and interpretation centre established (b) Public awareness increased (3) Enhance collaboration in the establishment and implementation of SF at all levels (a) Establish multi stakeholder SF committee (b) Develop user-friendly Terms of Reference for collaboration to inculcate the sense of responsibility through community protocol SFD, IPLCs, relevant agencies, and NGOs 2021 2025 (a) Collaboration in the establishment and implementation of SF enhanced at all levels (4) Develop database on SF (a) Identify and record existing SF projects SFD and IPLCs 2021 2025 (a) Data incorporated into national SF database SARAWAK (1) Conduct socio economic and demographic profiling of IPLCs (a) Collect, compile and analyse the data on communities living in the vicinity of Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) & Permanent Forest Estate (PFE) and within the areas affected by logging and Hydro Electric Power projects (b) Identify the IPLCs suitable for SF projects Federal and Sarawak governments, private sector, NGOs, IPLCs and all relevant stakeholders 2021 2025 (a) IPLCs suitable for SF projects identified (b) Data incorporated into national SF database 77 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 5: Strategic Thrusts and Strategies5 Strategic Thrust 2: Awareness and Capacity Building Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome SARAWAK (2) Raise SF awareness of stakeholders (a) Implement outreach programme (b) Develop training modules and hold trainings (c) Build trust among stakeholders All relevant stakeholders 2021 2025 (a) Level of SF awareness raised among stakeholders (b) 100 FDS staff trained (3) Increase community participation in social aspects of forest management (a) Identify problems related to forest resource management and utilisation (b) Hold dialogues and organise SF site visits & study tours (c) Implement conservation and environmental awareness programme (d) Develop SF projects with community participation (e) Conduct trainings Sarawak government, relevant agencies, private sector, IPLCs and all relevant stakeholders 2021 2025 (a) SF accepted by communities (b) Multi stakeholder participation in SF (c) SF projects implemented with active community participation (4) Develop database on SF (a) Identify and record existing SF projects FDS and IPLCs 2021 2025 Data incorporated into national SF database 78 Strategic Thrust 3: Financial Instruments The availability of the financial resource is crucial for a successful, long-term implementation of social forestry activities. Strategic Thrust 3 emphasises providing long-term sustainable financial funding to ensure the local communities benefit from implementing social forestry programmes, thus raising their living standards. Strategic Thrust 3: Financial Instruments Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome PENINSULAR MALAYSIA (1) Provide and expand funding (a) Secure and allocate funding by the federal and state governments under various Malaysia Plans and international funds Federal and state governments 2021 2025 (a) Proposals for government and international funding are prepared (b) Funding received SABAH (1) Ensure that sustainable financial resources are available (a) Incorporate SF financing into federal government and Sabah government policies (b) Establish SF Trust Fund at National, Sabah and community levels (c) Establish SF financial governance system at community level (d) Create a system of incentives to encourage active participation of relevant stakeholders in SF Economic Planning Unit, Ministry, Sabah government, relevant agencies, NGOs, and IPLCs 2021 2025 (a) Trust Funds at federal and Sabah levels established (b) Fund for SF projects channeled to IPLCs (c) Community SF fund established (d) SF financial governance system at community level established (e) Active participation from all relevant parties 79 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 5: Strategic Thrusts and Strategies5 Strategic Thrust 3: Financial Instruments Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome SARAWAK (1) Ensure sustainable funding (a) Obtain funding from various sources to implement SF projects (b) Enhance collaboration with related agencies for funding and implementation of SF projects Federal government, Sarawak government, private sector, NGOs, and international donor agencies 2021 2025 (a) Funding secured (b) Collaboration enhanced (c) SF projects implemented 80 Strategic Thrust 4: Forest Resources Management To meet the international and national aspirations, the management of forest resources involving IPLCs is important in ensuring the gratification of socio-economic benefits by the IPLCs besides attaining sustainable forest management. The strategies under this thrust aim for increased income of the IPLCs, developing an effective mechanism for benefit sharing, planning the use of forest resources, and implementing forest resource management plan at a community level as depicted in the table below: Strategic Thrust 4: Forest Resources Management Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome PENINSULAR MALAYSIA (1) Pioneer the inclusive business model (IBM) for SF (a) Introduce business plan methodology, and marketing for products and services (b) Develop business networking NGOs, People’s Trust Council (MARA), Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KPLB), Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) 2021 2025 Household income of IPLCs increased (2) Develop an effective mechanism for benefit sharing (a) Conduct stakeholder consultations (b) Develop business plan as a guide in benefit sharing Village Safety and Development Committee (JPKK), district office, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), MOTAC, local authorities, NGO, FDPM and FRIM 2021 2025 Household income of IPLCs increased 81 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 5: Strategic Thrusts and Strategies5 Strategic Thrust 4: Forest Resources Management Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome SABAH (1) Plan the use of forest resources (a) Assess and document forest resource use by communities (b) Map land and resource use by IPLCs (c) Plan sustainable livelihood for IPLCs Sabah government, relevant agencies, NGOs and IPLCs 2021 2025 Forest resource use documented (2) Develop and implement forest resource management plan at the community level (a) Assist IPLCs to develop a local plan on sustainable forest resource management (b) Enhance capacity building to develop the local plan (c) Identify potential NTFP and services for income generation (d) Develop and implement method for joint forest resource management and benefit sharing Sabah government, relevant agencies, NGOs, IPLCs and private sector 2021 2025 (a) Forest resource management plan at community level built (b) Local forest resource management plan implemented. (c) Method for joint forest resource management and benefit sharing developed and implemented SARAWAK (1) Conduct baseline study and assessment on forest resource utilisation by communities (a) Conduct survey on forest resource utilisation by IPLCs (b) Analyse and map the data on forest resource use by IPLCs Sarawak government, relevant agencies, private sector, IPLCs and all relevant stakeholders 2021 2025 (a) Baseline data on forest resource utilisation by communities compiled (b) Information used for planning and implementation of SF projects 82 Strategic Thrust 4: Forest Resources Management Strategy Action Partners Time Frame Expected Outcome SARAWAK (2) Develop and implement forest resources utilisation and management plan (a) Develop forest resource utilisation and management plan (b) Restoration of forest resources with the involvement of communities Sarawak government, relevant agencies, private sector, IPLCs and all relevant stakeholders 2021 2025 (a) Forest resources utilisation and management plan implemented (b) Knowledge and skills of communities enhanced (c) Sustainable forest resource utilisation implemented 83 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 5: Strategic Thrusts and Strategies5 The locals crossing Kubaan River without bridge facility before bridge construction Photo by Forest Department Sarawak 6 Chapter WAY FOWARD Elements of Success Monitoring Progress Mid-term Review 2023 Conclusion To ensure long-term planning and implementation of social forestry activities in Malaysia, it is important to identify key elements of success. These elements are outlined below: 6 Chapter Way Forward The way forward for social forestry development in Malaysia is to establish a social forestry model that enhances local community livelihood and ensure sustainable management of forest resources. Establishing this model would require addressing crucially the elements of success, project monitoring, and reviews. Once these elements are achieved, the local communities will be able to escape poverty and, in the meantime, ensure forest resources are well managed and protected. Elements of Success 1 Support from federal and state governments This is the most important element for a successful social forestry project implementation. Without support from the federal and state governments, it is difficult for the social forestry project to succeed. NGO and private sectors collaboration The NGOs and private sectors have a specific role in achieving social forestry objectives. With their collaboration, the IPLCs could participate more effectively in implementing the project. Active involvement and commitment of local community The IPLCs could play an important role in land-use planning, management, and forest protection. Their participation would ensure they commit to social forestry programmes and projects. 2 3 86 Seed money from government and donors Sustainable funding is crucial in ensuring the long-term implementation of social forestry programmes and projects. The financial resources could be derived from international donor agencies, the Government and private sectors. 4 Periodical monitoring by implementing agencies Many social forestry projects failed due to a lack of monitoring and evaluating the expected outcomes. It requires the commitment of various agencies to work together to achieve intended targets. Presence of local champions Local leadership is equally important in any project implementation. The involvement of local leaders and their supporters would ensure success. Adequate capacity building and training Without capacity building and training, local communities will not be able to participate effectively in implementing social forestry projects. Regular training in capacity building is essential to enhance the knowledge and skills of the people. Enhanced awareness on the importance of social forestry Enhancing awareness of the importance of social forestry among all stakeholders is crucial to project planning and implementation. The staff of related agencies need to realise the necessity of the local communities to use forest resources for consumption. On the other hand, the local communities need to be aware of sustainable forest management. 5 6 7 8 87 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 6: Way Forward6 In line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and 12th Malaysia Plan, the implementation of the Social Forestry Strategic Plan will be monitored. KeTSA will monitor the progress through a methodology deliberated by the National Social Forestry Working Group Committee (NSFWGC). NSFWGC will determine and adopt methods to measure and verify all indicators under the strategic thrusts. KeTSA will collate the baseline data necessary for tracking key indicators at the earliest stage possible to ensure a smooth monitoring process. It is important to have a mid-term review of all the strategies and action plans implemented by the three regions to assess achievement. The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021–2025 will be reviewed in 2023 to examine the gaps in achieving expected outcomes. KeTSA will coordinate this mid-term review. After identifying new challenges and weaknesses, the forestry departments need to re-strategise their work plan to achieve the 2025 expected outcomes. Monitoring Progress Mid-term Review 2023 Winokok villager confiscating hand-sawn timber left by illegal feller Photo by Sabah Forestry Department 88 With the formulation of the Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021–2025, the country has achieved a new milestone towards attaining sustainable forest management and ensuring the socio-economic development of its people, especially the forest-dependent indigenous peoples and local communities. Through effective implementation of the strategic plan, Malaysia’s efforts towards conserving forest resources are enhanced while protecting the marginalised groups. Conclusion The review will provide a progress report to the Federal and State Governments to plan their direction for social forestry development after 2025. The progress report will also enable KeTSA to state social forestry programmes in Malaysia at the international fora. Social forestry campaigns to enhance awareness on social forestry efforts in Peninsular Malaysia Photo by Forest Department of Peninsular Malaysia 89 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 CHAPTER 6: Way Forward6 References Adams EE. (2012). World Forest Area Still on the Decline. Retrieved January 2018, from the Earth Policy Institute URL: http://www.earth-policy.org/indicators/C56/ forests 2012 Bian B. (2014). The proposed amendments to the Sarawak Land Code 2014. Retrieved 6 Mei 2014 from the Baru Bian official Facebook account, URL: https://www.facebook.com/barubian/posts/the-proposed-amendments-to-the sarawak-land-code-2014by-baru-bian-there-are-thre/658204610916349/ Chee T.Y. (2003). Agro, Community or Social Forestry in Malaysia - Time to Act. Paper submitted to XII World Forestry Congress, 2003, Quebec City, Canada. 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Retrieved July 2018 from Sarawak Voice website URL: https://sarawakvoice.com/2018/07/12/isu-pemakai-menoa-pulau-galau selesai-diserap-ke-dalam-pindaan-kanun-tanah-sarawak/ 91 SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 Annex List of Contributors FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE MALAYSIA Mohd Parid bin Mamat Dr Huda Farhana binti Mohamad Muslim Faten Naseha binti Tuan Hussain Mukrimah binti Abdullah FORESTRY DEPARTMENT PENINSULAR MALAYSIA YBhg. Datuk Borhanudin bin Haji Arshad YBhg. Dato’ Haji Zahari bin Ibrahim Haji Saleh bin Awaludin Mohd Jinis bin Abdullah Mohd Rizal bin Sabran Siti Dessyma binti Isnani Abd. Ramlizauyahhudin bin Mahli Mohd Yussainy bin Md Yusop Zulnaidah binti Manan Raffae bin Ahmad Debora Belawan Muhamad Azizun bin Jaafar Nurul Shasheila binti Abdul Mutalib SABAH FORESTRY DEPARTMENT Musa Salleh Ricky Alisky Martin Dr Agnes Lee Agama Dr Walter Lintangah Sheelasheena Damian Nasiri Sabiah Elne Betrece Johnlee FOREST DEPARTMENT SARAWAK Zarina binti Haji Shebli Haji Azahari bin Omar Silvester Jemat Anak Arbit MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN SOCIAL FORESTRY COVER DESIGN SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021 - 2025 1 REV 2 1.indd All Pages 3/11/2021 2:44:42 PM 92 MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES OF MALAYSIA 2021-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN SOCIAL FORESTRY COVER DESIGN SOCIAL FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLAN OF MALAYSIA 2021 - 2025 1 REV 2 1.indd All Pages 3/11/2021 2:44:42 PM ISBN 978-967-0250-44-1 Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 9 7 8 9 6 7 0 2 5 0 4 4 1