Indonesia's forests are one of nature's priceless gifts. It contains not only ecological wealth that maintains the balance of the earth, but also extraordinary economic potential. This includes forests in the Production Forest Management Unit (KPHP) Unit VIII Hilir Sarolangun area, Jambi Province, which manages 110,372 hectares of forest. This area consists of various types of land cover, including secondary forests, which experienced a decrease in area of ​​8,576 hectares (7.77 percent) between 2000 and 2019. To overcome the decline in the amount of cover while still paying attention to the economic interests of communities around the forest, one way to optimize the presence of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) can be done.

NTFPs are a great opportunity for local communities to improve their welfare in a sustainable manner. NTFP management in this region can also be a clear example that Indonesian forests not only produce wood, but also various products of high economic value which can improve the economy of local communities and increase the country's foreign exchange. The diversity of NTFPs in the Sarolangun area includes products such as kepayang oil, forest honey, mountain salt, semangkok flowers, rattan, bamboo, citronella and sengkawang oil. Each of these products has its own value, both as an economic resource for local communities and as a symbol of Indonesia's natural wealth that must be protected. One of its superior products is kepayang oil, which is known as cooking oil without cholesterol, rich in natural omega-3s, and free of pesticides. In addition, this oil is processed into derivative products such as soap, lotion and "Kepayang Message" massage oil, which opens up new economic opportunities for the community.

Apart from kepayang, local people also produce mountain salt from natural salt water which is rich in iodine. Even though it still uses traditional methods, this salt has been marketed as far as Java. Technological support is expected to increase production efficiency and quality. Utilization of forest honey from Apis dorsata bees in this area also supports ecosystem sustainability. Sustainably harvested forest honey has become a superior product with high quality. Rattan and bamboo also contribute through various handicrafts produced by forest farmer groups, such as mats and miniature cruise ships. This business involves housewives, while also preserving forests. Citronella and sengkawang oil are other commodities with high economic value. Citronella is processed into essential oil for beauty products, while sengkawang oil is sold at high prices, reflecting the diverse potential of Indonesia's forests which supports a sustainable economy.

However, the successful management of NTFPs in Jambi also requires the support of various parties, including one initiative involving KPHP Unit VIII Hilir Sarolangun as the program implementing unit, namely BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (BioCF ISFL). This World Bank-funded program seeks a comprehensive approach in supporting sustainable economic development, environmental conservation and community empowerment.

The BioCF ISFL program in Jambi aims to support sustainable forest and landscape management, with a focus on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, while improving community livelihoods. In the context of managing NTFPs in KPHP Hilir Sarolangun, this program can be a concrete example of involving various parties to realize positive initiatives, for example in terms of providing technical assistance and training for local communities. This program provides training to local communities to improve the quality of NTFP products, such as kepayang oil, forest honey and rattan. This assistance includes sustainable production techniques, packaging, and marketing strategies.

Apart from that, there is infrastructure support and technology transfer where this program involving the Ministry of Environment and Forestry as the National Technical Commission helps increase production efficiency, in terms of providing modern equipment for refining essential oils, honey processing technology and mountain salt processing. With this technology, people are able to increase production output and product quality. Through this program, various NTFP products from Jambi, such as forest honey and kepayang oil, have been introduced to the national and international markets. For example, forest honey from this area was exhibited at forestry product exhibitions. Forest farmer groups in this area also receive business management training, so they are able to run NTFP businesses more professionally and sustainably.

Through this program there is also education for the public about the importance of preserving forests. This approach ensures that the use of NTFPs is carried out without damaging the ecosystem, such as through sustainable honey harvesting techniques. In the future, more programs like this need to be developed as a real form of collaboration between the government and development partners in implementing strategic interventions to support NTFPs. In the future, it is also time to develop data-based landscape planning because mapping of potential NTFPs using geospatial technology can be more precise in determining priority areas for sustainable NTFP development. Various emission reduction initiative programs must also be directed at encouraging green investment through partnerships with the private sector, such as companies that purchase NTFP products directly from farmers or forest farming groups.

NTFPs must also be integrated into climate change mitigation strategies through reducing carbon emissions from deforestation, which also provides additional benefits in the form of financial incentives to local communities. The success of intervention through emission reduction programs in Jambi forests will ultimately be seen from various important parameters, including increasing the welfare of communities around the forest. With increasing income from NTFPs, people are not only able to meet their daily needs, but also access better education and health services.

In addition, an approach that integrates forest landscape management and economic development will be proof of the program's effectiveness in reducing the rate of deforestation and improving environmental quality. So in the future, it is hoped that Jambi's forests can provide a concrete example that the potential of NTFPs can be developed as an economic driving force that is in line with environmental conservation.

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.

Karak Apung Village, located in Bungo Regency, Jambi Province, is a clear example of the successful implementation of the Social Forestry program. Through the Apung Mandiri Farmers Group (Gapoktan), the local community is gradually building economic independence and preserving the environment through forest and land rehabilitation (RHL)-based agricultural activities.

The majority of Gapoktan Apung Mandiri members depend on fruit crops such as coconut, durian, areca nut, and avocado for their livelihoods. These commodities are not only their primary source of income but also part of a sustainable agricultural strategy that the community continues to develop amidst land dynamics and limited access.

The RHL activities carried out in this village are part of the Bungo KPHP program and are conducted in an area classified as transmigration land and within the Social Forestry area. In accordance with the provisions of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), support provided through the Social Forestry scheme is limited to the provision of plant seedlings, without covering the costs of the planting process.

The community's planting efforts were also carried out strategically. Initially, some of the land was planned to be converted to oil palm plantations, but the plan encountered technical challenges. Oil palm and rubber plants are known to compete for nutrients, which can ultimately reduce the productivity of both crops. As a solution, the community decided to intersperse the planting with fruit trees, thus maintaining plant diversity and land productivity.

The journey to recognition of management rights through the Social Forestry scheme was not smooth. In 2019, the process experienced conflict with several upper-class community groups in Bungo Regency. However, through collective struggle and the appropriate legal approach, the Karak Apung community successfully defended their rights to the area.

The success in obtaining Social Forestry permits was also due to the innovative approach employed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in the Jambi region, namely the jareng gebol (joint, proactive, collaborative) method. This approach expedited the application process because officers went directly to the field, gathered the community, conducted outreach, assisted in the preparation of proposals, and carried out expeditious reviews and revisions. In this way, the time required to obtain a management permit is usually less than one year.

The Apung Mandiri Farmers Group (Gapoktan Apung Mandiri) is no longer just an ordinary farming group. They are a symbol of successful collaboration between the community, government, and nature. With a spirit of mutual cooperation and innovation in land management, the Karak Apung community has proven that environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture is not a dream, but a reality that can be achieved together.