The Forests Dialogue

TFD held our first Ecosystem Restoration field dialogue in collaboration with the Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industries of the FAO hosted by Universitas Mulawarman in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The dialogue convened individuals from Indigenous peoples organizations, local communities, NGOs, IGOs, private sector, researchers, and government. We are pleased to share with you the Co-Chairs' Summary Report, available on TFD’s website in English and Bahasa Indonesia. Report highlights include: ->  Synthesis of identified ecosystem restoration challenges related to themes of Capacity and knowledge; Biophysical challenges; Financing; Social and community; and Policy and governance. ->  Exploration of prioritized opportunities to address restoration challenges including 1) Collaboration of private corporations with communities 2) Political will and policy 3) Corporate funding for restoration 4) Recognition of customary rights and engagement of women and customary communities in decision-making. ->  Co-Chair reflections on dialogue learnings related to ecosystem restoration fracture lines. Special thanks to our dialogue Co-Chairs for your insights, leadership, and thoughtful summary: Lyndall Bull, @Aldrianto Priadjati Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation @Nanang Qasim, Fernanda Rodrigues, Mustofa Agung Sardjono and host Sukarti ningsih. https://lnkd.in/e-7XJzKK

Enormous thanks to the Co-Chairs of TFD's Bioenergy from Forests Scoping Dialogue for leading us through productive and inspiring conversations co-convened by The Forest School at the Yale School of the Environment. Please join us in sharing the Co-Chairs' Summary report. Focused on sourcing biomass in the United States for global and domestic bioenergy, the summary describes dialogue discussions on issues affecting both potential demand for biomass energy and potential supply of biomass feedstocks. Highlights include a synthesis framework for a theory of change for biomass energy, potential fracture lines, and key questions to be explored in future dialogue. Jason Funk, Sara Kuebbing, Philip Rigdon, Ann Bartuska, Gary Dunning Yale School of the Environment : https://lnkd.in/gSjxsacY

TFD is hiring! You will have the chance to work with The Forests Dialogue and The Forest School at Yale School of the Environment. Come join our team! https://lnkd.in/gnD-X_Xe

🌱 Exciting progress on the two days of dialogue for our Ecosystem Restoration Dialogue in East Kalimantan, Indonesia! 🌱 On Day 1 of dialogue, dialogue participants delved deep into identifying the challenges facing ecosystem restoration in Indonesia. The Vice Minister of Forestry and the Environment gave an opening welcome about the status of restoration in Indonesia. The plenary discussion began after that as participants reflected on the learnings from the field visits and additional restoration examples and challenges from their own experiences. In the afternoon, we split up into breakout groups to discuss the challenges to ecosystem restoration in Indonesia before moving back into plenary to continue that discussion. On Day 2 of dialogue, participants prioritized key challenges across five themes: Capacity and Knowledge: Addressing the lack of community member capacity, integrating diverse knowledge systems, and improving communication strategies. Biophysical Challenges: Integrating traditional and scientific knowledge, defining successful restoration, and establishing clear indicators of success. Financing: Navigating the complexities of forest carbon and biodiversity markets, accessing long-term funding, and implementing benefit-sharing mechanisms. Social and Community Dynamics: Building trust between stakeholders, robust implementation of FPIC, and recognizing Indigenous and community rights. Policy and Governance: Clarifying land ownership, adopting multi-stakeholder approaches, and balancing top-down and bottom-up approaches.   From capacity and knowledge gaps to biophysical hurdles, financing complexities to social and community dynamics, and policy ambiguities, we covered a wide array of crucial issues. These topics were tackled during the Carousel Breakout Discussions, where participants developed action plans for achieving opportunities to address key challenges such as private-corporate collaboration, political will, corporate funding for restoration, and recognizing customary rights & engaging women in decision-making. We are thrilled by the success of our dialogue, which has paved the way for ongoing discussions and actions aimed at restoring ecosystems at local, national, and global levels. A heartfelt thank you to all our participants, our program host Universitas Mulawarman, and our sponsors FAO for their invaluable contributions and support. #EcosystemRestoration  

In the ongoing series, here's a glimpse of Day 2 from our Field Visits during TFD's Field Dialogue on Ecosystem Restoration in East Kalimantan, Indonesia last week! We started day 2 of field visits at the Mangrove Center in Balikpapan, a testament to the power of community-based restoration efforts. This 23-year-old restoration area has witnessed the remarkable community-led transformation of 150 hectares of degraded mangroves, once ravaged by aquaculture in the 1990s. Taking a boat ride through the lush mangrove forests, we witnessed firsthand the fruits of labor and dedication as thriving ecosystems emerged from the once degraded area. The community has not only restored biodiversity but has also transformed the site into an ecotourism center, inviting visitors to learn about the importance of mangroves for climate resilience and ecosystem services. Moreover, the center's impact extends beyond its borders, as it spearheads planting projects across Balikpapan, contributing to the larger mangrove restoration efforts in the region. Day 2 of the Dialogue also took us on an eye-opening field visit to the New Capital City/Nusantara (IKN). The proposed site of the new ‘Forest City’ capital is based partially in a former production forest concession of eucalyptus which is now targeted for restoration to native forest. Collaborating with UnMul and private investors, the IKN Authority is piloting restoration methods of planting native trees beneath the eucalyptus plantation canopy. We learned about the opportunities and potential risks the proposed new capital may bring for local people and the surrounding ecosystem. Customary rights holders and Indigenous communities shared concerns regarding the development of the new city. Their invaluable insights underscore the importance of inclusive decision-making and sustainable development practices. Next, we visited the UnMul Research & Education Forest Restoration planting and nursery, where we met with the dean of the forestry school and nursery staff. The nursery visit was a highlight, allowing us to discuss restoration strategies and species selection, emphasizing the critical role of research and education in sustainable restoration efforts. We ended the day by visiting Samboja Lestari run by Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF). During a meeting with BOSF staff, we discussed restoration methods, the restoration concession model, and wildlife rehabilitation, reflecting on the impact and opportunities of IKN on conservation and restoration efforts. From witnessing the transformation of degraded mangrove forests into thriving ecosystems to engaging in meaningful discussions with stakeholders at various restoration sites, the day was a testament to the power of collective action and community-driven initiatives in restoring our natural world.

Let's take a look back at the Field Dialogue on Ecosystem Restoration in East Kalimantan, Indonesia! 🌳 Here is a look into Day 1 (of 2) for Field Visits to learn about Ecosystem Restoration in East Kalimantan! 👀 Day 1: PT Indominco Mandiri: For the first stop of day 1, we visited reclamation areas of Indominco Mandiri (IMM), to understand the post-coal mining restoration requirements and practices in accordance with governmental regulations. At a 5-year-old reclamation site, we observed the planting of both native and non-native species strategically chosen for erosion control and ecosystem revitalization. During the visit, we also observed an area reclaimed in 2001, now deemed restored by the government. Our exploration culminated in a visit to a secondary forest untouched by mining activities, which the company described as a reference forest. Agroforestry in Community Forest: On our Day 1 of field visits, we delved into the vibrant world of agroforestry as a restoration strategy within community forests (Hutan Kemasyarakatan). Our journey took us to a community forest managed by a dedicated group of 18 families. Since 2001 when the group was granted a HKm, they've nurtured this land under a management plan co-developed with KPHP Santan staff, spanning 73 hectares. The area was previously degraded through commercial logging and large fires of 1997/8 El Nino. The community group integrates tree cultivation with the production of non-timber forest products like coffee, kalula honey, and various fruits. Discussions also covered human and wildlife conflict within the agroforestry area.   The visit helped participants explore the role of Indonesian social forestry schemes and recognizing communities’ land rights as a restoration strategy in Indonesia. Mangrove Center in Bontang: We also traveled to the Mangrove Center in Bontang, a beacon of hope for coastal ecosystems. Since its establishment in 2009, this center has been tirelessly working to restore mangroves ravaged by destruction, with approximately 500 hectares brought back to life through dedicated efforts. One aspect that truly resonated with us was their inclusive approach to restoration. Not only does the center employ community members, including women, but it also empowers them to participate in restoration activities. Through their nursery, they propagate mangrove species, supplying propagules to government agencies and private companies to further restoration projects. Moreover, the center's innovative utilization of mangrove fruits for non-timber forest products like syrup and dye showcased their commitment to sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.

🌿 Reviewing Ecosystem Restoration Dialogue in East Kalimantan, Indonesia! 🌿 We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed hosts, partners, and the diverse array of participants who contributed to the success of our dialogue in East Kalimantan, Indonesia! Together with our host Universitas Mulawarman and in partnership with the FAO Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industries, we embarked on an exploration of ecosystem restoration in Kalimantan, fostering dialogue and forging pathways toward sustainable solutions. The Dialogue unfolded over four enriching days spearheaded by two days of field visits, followed by two days of dialogue. The Dialogue offered firsthand insights into various restoration initiatives:     · From the forest restoration activities of PT Indominco coal company to the community-led efforts at a HKm Community Forest, each visit illuminated challenges and opportunities in restoration.      · The inspiring examples of the Mangrove Center Bontang and Balikpapan Mangrove Center showcased the power of community-led restoration and training models.     · Discussions at the New Capital City (IKN) underscored the challenges of transitioning towards mixed, native forests, while emphasizing the importance of community engagement and customary rights.      · Visits to institutions like UnMul Research & Education Forest and BOSF's Samboja Lestari provided valuable insights into restoration strategies, species selection, and wildlife habitat conservation. With 58 participants, including 14 international and 44 Indonesian representatives, our Dialogue facilitated diverse perspectives and constructive exchanges. Through breakout sessions and prioritization exercises, we identified key challenges, enabling factors, and actionable opportunities to drive ecosystem restoration forward. A special thanks to our esteemed Co-Chairs, Lyndall Bull, Aldrianto Priadjati, Nanang Qasim, Mustofa Agung Sardjono, and Fernanda Rodrigues, As well as all our participants for their dedication and commitment to ecosystem restoration 🌳✨ Soon to come: a more in-depth look at each day of the Dialogue, stay tuned!

🌿 Exciting News Alert! 🌿 Join us for an insightful dialogue on ecosystem restoration, a vital step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals! 🌍 The Forests Dialogue is thrilled to announce our first field dialogue under the Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, happening in East Kalimantan, Indonesia from April 22-26, 2024. We'll be delving into the pivotal role of the private forest sector in supporting the sustainability of forest ecosystems and ecosystem restoration. Together with stakeholders, we'll explore how private forest sector companies and smallholders can collaborate to conserve and restore ecosystems while respecting their roles, rights, and contributions. Our goals for the dialogue include clarifying restoration needs, identifying stakeholders, and co-creating pathways for positive outcomes. We'll also bridge understanding between global goals, national commitments, and restoration actions on the ground while highlighting successful restoration approaches and private sector engagement. Hosted by Mulawarman University, in collaboration with The Forests Dialogue and the FAO Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industries, with support from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, we are excited about the possible restoration outcomes! 🌱 Don't miss out—let's pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future together! 💚 #EcosystemRestoration #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #EastKalimantanDialogue

Travel back in time with #TFD as we revisit our 2015 Indonesia Field Dialogue as we prepare for our upcoming dialogue focused on Ecosystem Restoration in Indonesia 🌴 .   Partnering with the Indonesian Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD), TFD brought together over 40 local practitioners, community members, and 30 international leaders in Riau, Sumatra, from April 29 to May 2, 2015.   While Indonesia faces some of the highest deforestation rates in the world, with high rates of forest loss driven by commodities like palm oil and wood products, great initiatives from local communities and key governmental and private sector stakeholders helped fuel a dialogue centered on Understanding Deforestation-Free potential in Indonesia. The conversation centered around exploring innovative approaches, like the high carbon stock (HCS) method, to implement deforestation-free commitments in Indonesian landscapes. One of the substantial outcomes of the 2015 Dialogue was the development of the Accountability Framework. As a result of discussions catalyzed by the Dialogue in Indonesia, the supporting NGOs began meeting to create the Framework. TFD hopes to help ensure similar initiatives may form from the upcoming dialogue. Watch our short documentary here (7 min watch): https://lnkd.in/gYBZNi-x Read more about the 2015 Dialogue below (2 min read) and take a deep dive with our co-chair summary (30 min read): https://lnkd.in/gJPfpA_a

The Forests Dialogue has conducted its Bioenergy from Forests Scoping Dialogue!   Major takeaways from the Scoping Dialogue include:   🌲 Stakeholders engaged in the dialogue in a meaningful and respectful way. Though areas of disagreement and fracture lines did arise (as is the goal of a Scoping Dialogue), people engaged in the "spirit of dialogue" and discussions were respectful and open. 🌲      Emphasis on the importance of how to achieve healthy and climate-resilient forests was at the heart of discussions. There was a strong sense of motivation to find common areas of agreement on this question and move forward from that common ground. Further questions explored included: What biomass might be removed from forests in support of healthy and climate-resilient forests? What are the appropriate uses of this biomass? And when is bioenergy from forests the appropriate use?  🌲      A need to dig deeper into the regional nuances of bioenergy from forest contexts across the US was explored. In response, breakout discussions were organized by the US West Coast, Northeast, and Southeast regions. This allowed for more focused discussions based on the regionally specific forest ecologies, forest products markets and their opportunities and challenges, industry and land use histories, community development needs, and environmental justice contexts.    We express our gratitude to all stakeholders who participated and encourage everyone to stay tuned for the forthcoming Co-Chair summary. Read more about our Bioenergy from Forests Scoping Dialogue here: https://lnkd.in/djFhVECc