The world is currently facing a major challenge in maintaining a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. Indonesia, as one of the world's most biodiverse countries, has a major responsibility in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and conserve its natural resources. One initiative that provides hope for the future of sustainable development in Indonesia is the BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (BioCF-ISFL) program implemented in Jambi.

BioCF-ISFL is one of the World Bank's programs that aims to support sustainable forest land management with a holistic approach. This program not only aims to reduce deforestation and land degradation, but also to improve the welfare of communities living around forest areas. This is why the program is highly relevant to the concept of sustainable development that includes economic, social, and environmental aspects. Jambi was chosen as the location for the program implementation because the province has rich forests that are one of the main pillars of the Sumatran ecosystem. However, the land in this province is also one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to deforestation and forest degradation. Through this program, the Government of Indonesia is committed to reducing emissions as much as possible, a move that will not only impact the local environment but also the global one.

The implementation of the project is divided into several phases, with the pre-investment phase taking place in 2021-2025 being an important first step. In this phase, important interventions are made to strengthen institutions and policies related to sustainable land management. The goal is clear: to encourage changes at the policy level and implementation on the ground to be more aligned with emission reduction efforts. One indicator of the success of this program is the area of land that is managed sustainably.

In the first semester of 2024, 268,630 hectares of land in Jambi have been managed with an approach oriented towards emission reduction. Although this figure has not yet reached the 2025 end target, this achievement shows that landscape management efforts in Jambi Province are already on the right track. This management includes reforestation, land restoration, and sustainable forest management that involves various parties, including the private sector. However, the implementation of this project is not without challenges. Tenurial issues, land use conflicts, and forest fires are still challenges that need to be overcome.

One of the solutions proposed in the report is the implementation of social and environmental safeguards, as well as map-based conflict resolution mechanisms. These measures, although complex, are expected to ease land tenure conflicts that are often the source of deforestation problems. On the other hand, the program must also ensure that the benefit sharing mechanism (benefit & sharing & plan) works well. Through this mechanism, the Government is trying to ensure that the benefits of emission reductions are not only felt by the Government, but also by local communities who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Active participation from communities around forests and conservation areas is key to the success of this program. One thing that should be appreciated from the implementation of this project is the involvement of the private sector in the implementation of more sustainable land management practices.

In the first semester of 2024, 11 companies from the plantation sector have committed to support the emission reduction program in Jambi Province. This collaboration between the government, private sector, and community is expected to accelerate the achievement of emission reduction targets in the province. Not only that, the government also encourages companies to utilize the CSR (corporate social responsibility) forum as a platform to contribute to environmental programs that have an impact on emission reduction. This creates a mutually beneficial symbiosis between the Government, companies, and communities.

One of the advantages of the BioCF-ISFL program in Jambi is its integrative approach. The program involves various parties, including the local government, local communities, and the private sector, to work together in managing natural resources wisely. This shows that forest conservation and community welfare need not be seen as contradictory. Instead, they can complement each other. The program essentially provides incentives to local communities to protect forests, while encouraging them to develop environmentally friendly livelihoods. For example, farmers are taught sustainable agricultural practices that do not damage the forest, such as agroforestry and cultivating high-value crops without having to clear new land. This not only reduces pressure on the forest, but also increases the community's income.

One of the main objectives of the program is to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation and land degradation. Tropical forests in Indonesia, including in Jambi, have great potential as natural carbon sinks. By keeping forests intact, it is possible to reduce the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere while helping to stabilize global climate change. In practice, this effort is not just about reducing emissions. The BioCF-ISFL program also provides a clear example that sustainable development does not have to come at the expense of economic growth. In fact, through a green economy approach, it can create new opportunities for communities around forest areas. From ecotourism to carbon trading, a variety of new economic opportunities can open up if everyone keeps the ecosystem healthy.

The future implementation of the BioCF-ISFL program in Jambi is expected to be an inspiration for other provinces in Indonesia that also have similar problems in terms of forest and land management. A collaborative approach, involving various stakeholders, is the key to the success of this program. Thus, other local governments can learn from Jambi's experience in implementing sustainable development based on environmental preservation. On the other hand, communities across Indonesia can start to become more aware of the important role forests play in maintaining ecological and climate balance. The more people who understand the importance of protecting forests, the greater the support for conservation efforts across the country. This is because this initiative is not just an environmental project, but a clear proof that sustainable development can be achieved through strong cooperation between the government, the community, and the private sector. More than that, this program is a platform for Jambi to collectively realize the broader thinking of how all can live in harmony with nature without having to sacrifice economic growth.

The success of this program, later in Jambi, can be the foundation for Indonesia in achieving global climate targets while strengthening Indonesia's position as one of the countries with a strong commitment to sustainable development. In the next few years, the biggest challenge is to ensure that policy changes and practices on the ground are sustainable. Policy reforms that support environmental sustainability should be further encouraged, not only at the provincial level but also at the district and city levels. The implementation of the One Map policy in Jambi Province must also be accelerated. Synchronizing geospatial data across different levels of government will help reduce overlapping land use that is often a source of conflict. The Jambi Provincial Government, with support from the Central Government and NGOs, should ensure that all parties can access and utilize this data transparently.

This ISFL BioCF project demonstrates that cross-sector collaboration is essential for sustainable landscape management. The government, private sector, communities and academics must continue to work together to achieve the emission targets that have been set. Not only for local interests, but also as Indonesia's contribution in maintaining global climate balance.

Bukit Dua Belas National Park (TNBD) in Jambi Province is a tropical forest area that is rich in biodiversity and home to the Suku Anak Dalam community, also known as Orang Rimba. This forest not only provides habitat for flora and fauna, but also a living space and livelihood for local communities who depend on natural resources to fulfill their daily needs. However, TNBD faces great challenges in preserving the forest and ecosystem. Activities such as wildlife poaching by irresponsible individuals, illegal logging, forest encroachment, and land conversion pose a serious threat to the sustainability of this forest.

In addition, the pressures of modernization and social change threaten the sustainability of Suku Anak Dalam's traditional culture and livelihoods. To address these challenges, various conservation and community empowerment initiatives have been implemented. One of these is the introduction of agroforestry techniques, which integrate agricultural practices with forest conservation. Through this approach, communities are encouraged to grow economically valuable crops such as rubber, coffee and medicinal plants under the shade of forest trees so as to increase income without damaging the forest ecosystem. The Suku Anak Dalam community was also provided with seedlings of multipurpose tree species (MPTS) and fruits including petai, jengkol, kabau as part of the ecosystem restoration program.

In addition, non-timber forest product-based economic empowerment programs have been developed. Communities are encouraged to manage and market products such as forest honey, rattan and handicrafts that have high selling value. This approach not only improves economic welfare, but also encourages forest conservation as communities have a direct incentive to preserve their natural resources. The role of Suku Anak Dalam in forest conservation is crucial. They have deep traditional knowledge of forest ecosystems and sustainable natural resource management practices.

However, marginalization and external pressures have threatened the survival of their culture and knowledge. Therefore, conservation efforts must respect and integrate the local wisdom of Suku Anak Dalam. One example of an initiative involving Suku Anak Dalam is a culture-based education program. This program integrates traditional knowledge with the formal curriculum so that the younger generation can understand the importance of forest conservation and their culture. In addition, skills training such as handicraft making and non-timber forest product processing is provided to improve their economic capacity. Collaboration between the Government, nongovernmental organizations, and local communities is essential in the TNBD conservation efforts.

Various forest conservation programs have been implemented with various results that can be used as learning materials. One that is still in the process of implementation includes the BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (BioCF ISFL) Program. This program is one example of an initiative that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through forest protection and reforestation. The program is facilitated by a multilateral fund and supported by donor countries such as Germany, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, managed by the World Bank. Its activities consist of three phases: preparation, pre-investment, and results-based payments.

The implementation of programs such as BioCF ISFL in TNBD involves various parties, including Forest Management Units (FMUs) and National Park Agencies. Pre-investment activities are focused in four FMUs, namely KPH Hilir Sarolangun, KPH Bungo, KPH Tanjung Jabung Barat, and KPH Merangin, as well as four National Park Councils, namely Kerinci Sebelat, Berbak Sembilang, Bukit Dua Belas, and Bukit Tiga Puluh National Parks, plus the Jambi KSDA Center. This program is not just an effort to conserve forests, but is also designed to have a real impact on the welfare of local communities. This initiative is a real step towards realizing sustainable forest management, while reducing carbon emissions and restoring threatened ecosystems.

The main objective of ISFL's BioCF program in Bukit Dua Belas National Park is to protect forests and restore damaged ecosystems, while at the same time creating economic opportunities for surrounding communities The implementation challenge faced at the beginning was how to change the mindset of communities who have been dependent on extractive forest use, such as logging or wildlife hunting. Of course, it takes time to build trust and educate them on the importance of preserving the forest. However, with the right approach, it can slowly build awareness that forest conservation and community economic improvement are not mutually exclusive, but can go hand in hand.

The program begins with efforts to involve the community in various forest restoration activities, such as tree planting, nursery construction, and forest patrols. Community involvement in each of these stages not only increases their sense of ownership of the program, but also opens up new opportunities for them to earn income from more sustainable activities. One of the main approaches in this program is the introduction of agroforestry techniques to the community. Agroforestry is a method that combines agriculture with forest management, allowing communities to utilize the land without destroying the forest. Forest farmer groups are strengthened and trained in environmentally friendly cultivation techniques. Through these techniques, communities can produce non-timber forest products such as forest honey, rattan and medicinal plants. These products not only have high economic value, but also help preserve the forest.

Active community participation is crucial to the success of this program. From the training provided, many of them are now starting to shift from practices that damage the forest to more sustainable activities. In terms of ecology, forest cover in the national park area is expected to be maintained, and forest destruction that was once a serious problem can now begin to be suppressed. One of the most expected indicators of success is the increase in biodiversity in the area. Some key species that were rarely seen before, such as tigers and siamangs, are expected to start inhabiting the Bukit Dua Belas National Park area again. This indicates that the ecosystem in this area is recovering and functioning again as an ideal habitat for various species.

In addition to the ecological impact, ISFL's BioCF program also has a significant economic impact on the surrounding community. Through the training and mentoring provided, the community now has a new source of income from non-timber forest products. One important innovation in this program is the establishment of a local cooperative that serves as a forum to facilitate the marketing of forest products. With this cooperative, communities not only have access to a wider market, but can also get better prices for their products. The success of conservation and community empowerment programs in TNBD cannot be separated from the support of various parties. Collaboration between the Government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities is key in preserving forests and improving community welfare. With a holistic and participatory approach, it is hoped that TNBD can become a model of sustainable forest management that respects local wisdom and provides benefits for all parties.

Conservation efforts in TNBD also face the complexities of indigenous communities, including having to consider the social and cultural dynamics of Suku Anak Dalam. Research shows that their cultural identity is closely tied to the forest as a source of life and spirituality. Therefore, conservation programs must respect and integrate their cultural values, such as in marriage, birth, and death practices associated with local wisdom.

In addition, it is important to understand the history of marginalization experienced by Suku Anak Dalam, especially during the New Order era, where they experienced pressure to assimilate and lost access to their customary territories. Understanding this historical context is important for designing empowerment programs that are sensitive to their needs and aspirations.

In the long term, the sustainability of TNBD depends on a balance between environmental conservation and the socio-economic well-being of local communities. An approach that integrates conservation with economic empowerment, education and cultural preservation will ensure that forests remain sustainable and communities can enjoy their benefits on an ongoing basis. With a joint commitment from all parties, Bukit Dua Belas National Park can become a successful example of sustainable forest management that respects local wisdom and provides benefits for future generations.

*Head of Bukit Dua Belas National Park, Jambi.

Jambi – Jambi Province has enormous potential to carry out emission reduction activities through forest and land management. Remembering that Jambi Province has 4 National Parks, as well as 29 traditional forests which are the largest forests in Indonesia plus Social Forestry areas spread across 10 KPHs.

Regarding the Bio Carbon Fund program, the Jambi Provincial Government through the Sub National Management Unit (SNPMU) is currently carrying out outreach activities to 10 regencies/cities to provide a general overview of patterns of determining and measuring emissions, determining and benefit distribution schemes and procedures for distributing benefits as well as safeguard functions and monitoring and evaluation standards that will be implemented in the management of benefit funds later.

And the implementation of activities within the scope of BioCF-ISFL is a form of Jambi Province's commitment to playing an active role in implementing emission reduction.

“The Jambi Provincial Government has committed and will continue to implement the concept

REDD+ in Jambi Province means reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation as well as increasing conservation and forest carbon reserves," emphasized the Head of Bappeda for Jambi Province, represented by the Head of the Economy and Natural Resources Division who is also the deputy chairman of SNPMU BioCF Dr.Ahmad Subhan. S.IP. M.Si today (7/10) at the opening of the BioCF-ISFL socialization event which was attended by officials from the Kerinci Regency Government.

Apart from that, it is also strengthened by the existence of Jambi Province regulations through Jambi Province Regional Regulation Number 4 of 2023 concerning the Green Economic Growth Plan which shows the strong commitment of the Governor of Jambi and the DPRD of Jambi Province.

So that the benefits of implementing REDD+ within the Green Economy framework can be felt by the entire community, Jambi Province is currently implementing the BioCF-ISFL program where through this program the target is to reduce emissions by 10 million tons of CO2 equivalent accompanied by Result Based Payment (RBP) or performance-based incentives reached 70 million USD.

Head of monitoring and evaluation at SNPMU Dharmawansyah SP. MM also appealed to all parties to support the implementation of activities within the scope of BioCF-ISFL.

"I hope for cooperation and support from all parties," stressed Wawan when delivering socialization material about monitoring and evaluation.

The Regent of Kerinci, who was represented by Assistant for Economics and Development H.Atmir, S.E, MM, in his speech emphasized that the Kerinci Regency really supports the Bio Carbon Fund activities and is ready to collaborate to reduce emissions by exploiting the potential of forests in the Kerinci Regency area.

"I hope that through this program the village communities around the forest can improve their welfare," explained Atmir after opening the BioCF RBP Phase Socialization event which was held in the hall of the Kerinci Regency BAPPEDA-Litbang office.

Jambi, 12 August 2024. Currently Jambi Province is preparing to download the Performance Based Incentive phase of the ISFL BioCF Program. One of the documents prepared is the Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP) which is currently in the process of being refined, especially regarding the mechanism for distributing funds for the BioCF-ISFL Program Performance-Based Incentives for Villages. Activities Discussion of the Mechanism for Distribution of Performance-Based Incentive Funds for the BioCF-ISFL Program for Villages Potential Beneficiaries, opened by the Deputy Governor of Jambi Province, Drs. H. Abdullah Sani, M.Pd.I

The Deputy Governor explained that we must always maintain our ecosystem and implement sustainable regional development. So the Jambi Provincial Government has made efforts and is committed to implementing the REDD+ concept in Jambi Province.“With our commitment to realizing Jambi's green economy through the implementation of REDD+ there is great hope that it will make a positive contribution to achieving the targets of green economic growth, inclusive development growth and evenly, creating a healthy ecosystem so that the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved and is able to overcome the impacts of climate change,” continued the Deputy Governor.

In his remarks and directions, the Deputy Governor also expressed his thanks and highest appreciation to all levels of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) of the Republic of Indonesia who have helped and supported the Jambi Provincial Government (Pemprov) in its efforts to support mitigation actions and climate change in Jambi Province.

The Deputy Governor also explained that in order to speed up the download of the RBP phase, the BioCF-ISFL Benefit Sharing Plan Document must immediately be finalized.
“One of the improvements to this document is the need to agree on the flow of funding mechanisms to the village level, so that suggestions and input from various parties are needed as well as support from the Regency/City Governments throughout Jambi Province, the Association of Indonesian Village Governments (APDESI) Regency/City throughout the Province Jambi and Village Assistance Coordinators throughout Jambi Province in determining the flow of performance-based incentive funding mechanisms for the Jambi Province BioCF-ISFL Program to Villages. "Hopefully the RBP phase will be implemented quickly so that the agreed RBP funds can be implemented by the community as an incentive to protect forest and land areas and ultimately improve the welfare of the community in Jambi Province."

Head of Bappeda Jambi Province, Ir. Agus Sunaryo, M.Si also as the Daily Chair of BioCF-ISFL said that the aim of implementing this activity was to increase the participation of parties in supporting the Jambi Province BioCF-ISFL Program both in the Pre-Investment phase and the RBP Phase. The agreed results of the activity ;Discussion of the Mechanism for Distribution of Performance Based Incentive Funds for the BioCF-ISFL Program to Potential Beneficiary Villages is as follows:

1. The Regency/City Government represented by the Head of the Community and Village Empowerment Service, as well as the Chair of the APDESI Regency/City in Jambi Province Supports the Bio Carbon Fund-Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscape Program in Jambi Province, especially in the implementation stages Result Based Payment (Payment Based on Performance Results).

2. Regency/city governments that have agreed on the mechanism for distributing performance-based incentive funds to potential beneficiary villages through the Intermediary Institution scheme are Tebo, Muaro Jambi, Batanghari, Kerinci, Bungo and Merangin Regencies.

3. APDESI and the Regency/City Governments that have agreed on a mechanism for distributing performance-based incentive funds to potential beneficiary villages through Cash Transfers via BPDLH are West Tanjung Jabung Regency, Sarolangun and Sungai Banyak City.

4. APDESI and Village Assistance Workers who agreed on a mechanism for distributing performance-based incentive funds to potential beneficiary villages through Cash Transfer via BPDLH are APDESI Jambi, Batanghari, Muaro Jambi, Tebo, Merangin and Bungo Provinces.

5. APDESI and the Regency/City Government have agreed on a mechanism for distributing performance-based incentive funds to potential beneficiary villages through the Intermediary Institution scheme, namely East Tanjung Jabung Regency.

6. The results of the agreement are used to refine the Benefit Sharing Plan document and will be discussed at meetings at higher levels both at the Jambi Provincial Government and Central Government levels.

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry together with the Jambi Provincial Government are negotiating the ERPA draft with the World Bank. However, there is a Condition of Effectiveness (CoE) clause that needs to be fulfilled by the Indonesian Government, including Submission of copies of executed Sub-Project Arrangement(s) between Seller and the Sub-Project Entities required to implement the ISFL ER Program.

The form and content of this arrangement requires preparation and scrutiny which refers to applicable provisions, including: Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 22/2020, Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 25 of 2020, and Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number: 3 of 2022 concerning Cooperation Domestic. The purpose of this meeting is to decide on the form of cooperation arrangement between the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Jambi Provincial Government on the Jambi Emission Reduction Project program.

The Directorate of Climate Change Mitigation, DJPPI with support from the RBP REDD+ GCF managed by BPDLH has carried out facilitation to sub-national (provincial) areas for socialization regarding strengthening the REDD+ architecture, including strengthening REDD+ Safeguards and filling out the Safeguards Implementation Assessment Tool (APPS) on the REDD+ Bagi website. Indonesia, the implementation of REDD+ Safeyards is a requirement if you want to get RBP both bilaterally and multilaterally. In connection with this, the Directorate of Climate Change Mitigation carried out a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Lessons Learned Implementation of REDD+ and Sub-National SIS-REDD+ Safeguards.

Ir. H. Sepdinal, ME as Chair of the SNPMU BioCarbon Fund Program - Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscape provided material with the title "Architectural Preparation and Implementation of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions From Deforestation and Forest Defradation) in Jambi Province", in the material it was explained how the regulatory preparations were implemented Jambi provincial government regarding REDD+ implementation, institutional architecture of the Jambi Province GHG Emission Reduction work unit, Exit Strategy for REDD+ Implementation in Jambi Province. as well as the results and products produced by each sector in the SNPMU BioCF-ISFL Secretariat, Jambi Province.

In connection with the implementation of the BioCF=ISFL Program in Jambi Province, one of the detailed activities and objects in the program is the private sector and community groups. The private sector and community groups will later become one of the recipients of performance-based incentives in accordance with the agreed benefit criteria, for The FGD was carried out which discussed Performance Based Incentives for the Private Sector and Community Groups, as well as the implementation of ISPO for companies and independent farmers as well as support for RAD KSB.

Increased Technical Capacity for the Implementation of the Beneficiary Identification Guide and BioCF ISFL E&S Safeguard Guide

BALIKPAPAN - Head of the Jambi Province Development Planning Agency, Ir. Agus Sunaryo, M.Si and accompanied by the Head of the Economy and Natural Resources Division of the Jambi Province Bappeda, Dr. Ahmad Subhan, S.IP, M.Si and Sub-National Chair of PMU BioCF-ISFL Jambi, ir. H. Sepdiinal, ME attended the South - South Knowledge Exchange meeting, participated in discussion forums from 3 countries such as Indonesia, Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where this activity was facilitated by the World Bank, which took place at the Platinum Hotel, Monday 27 May 2024.

South - South Knowledge Exchange itself is a knowledge exchange activity by developing countries or could also be countries in the global south. In the presentation, the Sub-National Chair of PMU BioCF-ISFL Jambi, provided an explanation regarding reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in Jambi Province through BioCarbon Fund - Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscape activities.

Meeting to discuss the results of calculating the accuracy value of land cover change data for Jambi Province
Held by Team MAR BioCF-ISFL Jambi on 6 to 8 May 2024