Description
This project focuses on combining large-scale
(landscape or jurisdictional) and local efforts
to protect High Conservation Values (HCVs)
in Seruyan District, Indonesia. HCVs include
biodiversity, ecosystem services, community needs,
and cultural values. The project is part of a
jurisdictional certification system designed to
promote sustainable multi-commodity production
in a landscape dominated by industrial activities
such as oil palm plantations and mining.
The Seruyan district in Indonesia is home to
remarkable biodiversity, including endangered
species such as Malayan sun bears, clouded leopards,
and hornbills. In response to intensive agricultural
development in the region, the district has launched
a jurisdictional initiative aimed at zoning land to
protect forests, preserve biodiversity, support
smallholder production, and resolve land disputes.
The project aims to strengthen the protection of
high conservation values by integrating top-down
approaches, such as mapping and assessments,
with bottom-up approaches, like participatory
mapping at the village level.
The project seeks to balance top-down land use
planning with bottom-up community engagement.
It aims to identify and protect key High conservation
values areas through participatory village mapping,
helping align local and national goals for sustainability
and conservation. A framework was developed in the
first phase, guiding governments and practitioners
in integrating local perspectives into broader spatial
planning processes. While the project faced initial
delays due to challenges in building community
trust, the groundwork for village-level spatial plans
is in place for Year 2. Additionally, community
guidelines are being developed to aid in High
conservation values identification and inclusion
in district-level spatial planning for sustainable
development.
Overall, the project is progressing and aims to
bridge the gap between top-down and bottom-up
conservation efforts, promoting more inclusive
and effective High conservation values protection.
