Building partnership with local communities: an initiative step towards adaptive and collaborative management of Siberut biosphere reserve (a case study of five sub-villages in south Siberut [Indonesia])
2003
Meyers, K.J.M. | Pasetyo, T. (Siberut National Park (Indonesia))
This paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of a new initiative using a collaborative management mechanism, in Siberut Biosphere Reserve [Indonesia]. The co-management initiative was set-up with the goal of contributing to the wellbeing of Siberut communities while securing the sustainable management of the natural resources. The current lack of community participation in the decision-making process concerning natural resources inside and adjacent to the National Park is one of the major constraints in protecting the natural environment of Siberut. In addition, the lack of tangible returns from the Siberut National Park towards local communities has weakened community support for conservation initiatives in general. In the case of Siberut, where indigenous people have managed the natural environment for several millenia and possess land claims within and adjacent to the existing conservation area, it is important to attach a human approach rather than a biological approach to conservation. Existing resource management regulations inside and adjacent to conservation areas are merely based on scientific knowledge and do not take into account local knowledge and practices. Centrally developed policies and management schemes are therefore often unsuitable for local conditions and increase the potential for conflicts. In order to support a wise human-wildlife cohabitation, there is a need to develop innovative management approaches and methods that secure wildlife protection while providing simultaneously room for human development. In line with the Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves and using the Principles of the Ecosystem Approach under the Convention on Biological Diversity, UNESCO and the Department of Conservation (PHRA), under the Ministry of Forestry, have initiated in 2001 a pilot program using a collaborative and adaptive management system, which is based on sharing responsibilities between stakeholders in managing natural resources in and adjacent to the National Park. The co-management structure is a result of four years of preparation and advocacy efforts, both at the community and National Park level. This paper explains the structure and strategies of the co-management program and identifies pit falls, dead-ends, as well as future challenges
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