Building a sustainable forest future in Bukit Dua Belas National Park

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.

Conservation initiatives

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.

Cultural Identity

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.