The Effect of Local Governance on Incentive Programs for Forest Ecosystem Service Conservation

okuda Toshinori Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University

inoue Makoto Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo yamada Toshihiro Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University sakai shoko RIHN

This project examines forest degradation and possible recovery in two states of Malaysia. It examines the scope of deforestation and its effect on forest ecosystem services, and the potential of several international incentive mechanisms, such as carbon and biodiversity offsets, for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from deforestation and forest degradation, protecting the pristine forests, slowing deforestation and securing forest ecosystem services. We will investigate local community response to the incentive mechanisms in order to describe how local governance systems can facilitate good and sustainable use of forest ecosystem services.

Objectives of the study

This project examines the process of deforestation in two different states of Malaysia. It documents the background spatio-temporal dynamics associated with forest degradation and deforestation. It also examines the local governance structures that can maintain the ecosystem services and natural resources provided by tropical forests. With this goal, we adopt two approaches to the question of forest governance. First, we examine local governance and the extent to which local people respond to locally adopted initiatives. Second, we examine the effect of forest protection/development measures adopted by state and federal administrations. Comparative analysis of the two approaches will allow description of the best opportunities in forest preservation policy, and the challenges that remain to be addressed.

Methodology and approach

Field study takes place in Negeri Sembilan, and either Sabah or Sarawak, Malaysia, all of which have experienced significant deforestation and are now targeted for reforestation. Background study in these areas will include:

• spatio-temporal analysis of forest cover and of variable definitions of “forest land”;
• The history of deforestation caused by timber exploitation, and associated degradation of forest ecosystem services;
• Simulation focusing the future possible changes of ecosystem services of the target area.

A second component of field study examines the response of local people to the new incentive mechanisms intended to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. It includes:

• Local reaction and response to forest degradation;
• Description of the different forest ecosystem service programs adopted or planned;
• Assessment of how incentive mechanisms have been or may be accepted and utilized by local communities.

Significance

The proposed study will thus contribute interdisciplinary evaluation of contemporary schemes to enhance biodiversity, and of the significance of local actors in long-term governance of forest ecosystems.