| Author | Achyar, Eris |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.NR-14-01 |
| Subject(s) | Forest fires--Indonesia--Sumatra
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| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulf illment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. NR-14-01 |
| Abstract | This study assessed the development and institutionalization of the Multi-stakeholder’s Forum (MSF) to address the problem of frequent and intensive if fires in Indonesia. The objectives of study are to understand forest fire policy in Indonesia, linkages wetland farming system and fire use for livelihood activities, and the dynamics of multi- stakeholder’s forum coordination in terms of ma naging forest fire management. This study was conducted in Ogan Komering Ilir district of South Sumatra Province. Approximately 75 percent of this region consists of degr aded peatland forest which is exceptionally susceptible to fire. Two units of analysis were carried out, namely the institutional analysis of Multi-stakeholder’s Forum at the district level and case studies of rural households in five villages located in and around forest areas. The study reveals that about 95 percent of hous ehold respondents used fire as a part of the management of farming system and livelihood activities such as land clearing for agriculture, fisheries and over grazing land. Levels of poverty and low educational attainment are the two fundamental factors that become challenges and constraints for local communities to adapt to changes in the bio-physical. The district government played a catalytic role in developing a Multi stakeholders approach. The MSF acted as an umbrella organization for various cros s-institutions stakeholders the aim being to provide a foundation for learning and joint action. This study shows that the MSF contributed actively to a reduction in fire risks and impacts, through increased coordination and consultation among MSF stakeholders, by proposing policies, and by helping to initiate the establishment of new functions for selected district agencies. Quantitative analysis has identified four factors underlying recommendations OKI district should consider implementing in order to become more dynamic and effective at preventing and fighting fires using an MSF approach, namely; 1) im prove intra-forum coordination dynamics, 2) ensure transparency within the management function decision-making process, 3) introduce collective and quality learning, and 4) ensure the practical implementation of decentralization. Although the MSF has now ceased as an institution, the district government has developed an integrated and comprehensive fire management strategy, by establishing specific fire management instit utions and targeted financial resources at selected district government agencies, and by delegating responsibility to relevant stakeholders (land owne rs/users), for the prevention and ma nagement of fires in their areas. It has also enhanced law enforcement activities. District Government should revitalize the MSF concept or develop mainstreaming MSF into existing structure instead of project-based MSF, to further utilize the already- developed assets especially human resource s and the capacity of government agencies involved in the new role of fire management needs to be strengthened in terms of technical and non-technical aspect, especially for the functioning of coordination and collaboration to synergize cross sectoral and aimed to sustainable forest fire management. In order to revitalize the MSF as an institution, the Di strict Government should give an opportunity for the private sector and NGOs to partic ipate in any new MSF formed. The financing mechanisms needed to manage a new MSF should also be discussed, such as fundraising opportunities like the Corporate Social Responsibility mechanism, which would form the basis for greater decentra lization to take place in the truest sense |
| Year | 2014 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. NR-14-01 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Cochard, Roland ;Schmidt-Vogt, Dietrich; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2014 |