COMMUNITY-BASED FOREST GOVERNANCE MODELS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: BETWEEN LOCAL WISDOM AND STATE POLICY
Abstract
Southeast Asia’s forests are critical to both global biodiversity and local livelihoods. Yet, these ecosystems are under significant threat from deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable resource extraction. The governance of forest resources in the region remains a complex issue, as it involves the interaction between local communities’ traditional knowledge and practices, and state policies aimed at forest conservation and management. Understanding the dynamics of community-based forest governance models, which integrate local wisdom with state regulations, is crucial for achieving sustainable forest management. This study aims to examine the role of community-based forest governance models in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on how local wisdom and state policy intersect. The research seeks to explore the challenges and opportunities in aligning indigenous governance practices with formal state policies for effective forest management. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing case studies from various Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Data were gathered through interviews with community leaders, government officials, and forest managers, as well as field observations. The findings highlight that while local communities possess valuable ecological knowledge, there are often conflicts with state policies that prioritize top-down forest management. However, successful models exist where collaboration between communities and state actors leads to more sustainable outcomes. The study underscores the importance of integrating local wisdom with state policies to create more effective and inclusive forest governance frameworks.
Full text article
References
Ammar, M. A., Budihardjo, M. A., Chegenizadeh, A., & Nikraz, H. (2026). Building a sustainable future for Indonesia’s new capital, the Nusantara capital city (IKN). Sustainable Futures, 11, 101718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2026.101718
Biswas, T. (2026). Indigenous water resource management systems of the Apatani tribe: Bridging traditional practices with modern solutions in the Indian Himalayan Region. In Advances in Chemical Pollution, Environmental Management and Protection. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apmp.2025.11.015
Blanton, A., Ewane, E. B., McTavish, F., Watt, M. S., Rogers, K., Daneil, R., Vizcaino, I., Gomez, A. N., Arachchige, P. S. P., King, S. A. L., Galgamuwa, G. A. P., Peñaranda, M. L. P., al-Musawi, L., Montenegro, J. F., Broadbent, E. N., Zambrano, A. M. A., Hudak, A. T., Swangjang, K., Velasquez-Camacho, L., … Mohan, M. (2024). Ecotourism and mangrove conservation in Southeast Asia: Current trends and perspectives. Journal of Environmental Management, 365, 121529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121529
Boafo, Y. A., Enu, K. B., Agyei, K. D., & Kolog, J. D. (2025). Citizen-led initiatives and hydro-meteorological risks reduction: Who is implementing nature-based solutions? Nature-Based Solutions, 7, 100234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100234
Chen, F., Zhang, W., Chen, R., Jiang, F., Ma, J., & Zhu, X. (2024). Adapting carbon neutrality: Tailoring advanced emission strategies for developing countries. Applied Energy, 361, 122845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122845
Cheng, S., Zhao, M., Zhang, D., & Chen, S. (2026). Healthy aging planning: A multi-scale review of urban green space impacts on post-COVID health behaviors. Cities, 173, 107019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2026.107019
Davis, B., de la O Campos, A. P., Farrae, M., & Winters, P. (2024). Whither the agricultural productivity-led model? Reconsidering resilient and inclusive rural transformation in the context of agrifood systems. Global Food Security, 43, 100812. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2024.100812
Duc, M. D., Duy, L. T., Thi Thanh, T. N., & Le Minh, T. (2025). Human–nature relations in the Anthropocene: Responsible hiking and ecological balance in Thi?ng Li?ng. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 51, 100926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2025.100926
Glavovic, B. (2024). 7.18—Governance Experiences and Prospects in Estuarine and Coastal Communities. In D. Baird & M. Elliott (Eds.), Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science (Second Edition) (pp. 411–447). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-90798-9.00129-3
Han, Q., Ge, L., Ren, Y., & Yu, Y. (2025). Application of machine learning in soil fumigation remediation prediction and design. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(6), 120272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2025.120272
Han, Q., & Ren, Y. (2026). Ecological impacts of hydropower projects in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River driven by machine learning: Focusing on nitrogen and phosphorus cycle prediction and assessment. Results in Engineering, 30, 110183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2026.110183
He, S., & Wang, B. (2025). Understanding agroecology and its synergy with national park management: A case study in Wuyishan of China. Sustainable Futures, 10, 100989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100989
He, T., Zhou, Z., Dong, H., Yuan, L., Guo, L., Wang, Y., Zheng, M., Qin, Y., Gu, Y., Jackson, P. W., & Ren, H. (2026). China’s National Botanical Gardens: An innovative model to support global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Plant Diversity, 48(1), 219–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pld.2025.11.005
Iniesta-Arandia, I., & Ravera, F. (2025). Opening Editorial: The contested nature of climate change: Feminist and decolonial perspectives for transformative adaptation. Environmental Science & Policy, 169, 104082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104082
Kanchanaroek, Y., & Engstrom, D. W. (2025). Development policy affects the indigenous group: The case of the Karen community, Ban Klang Village, Northern Thailand. World Development Perspectives, 40, 100733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2025.100733
Liu, S., Cai, F., He, Y., Qi, H., Rangel-Buitrago, N., Liu, J., & Zheng, J. (2024). Integrating marine functional zoning in coastal planning: Lessons from the Xiasha Beach Resort case study. Ocean & Coastal Management, 249, 107016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107016
Lofthouse, J. K., & Boettke, P. J. (2025). Governance with, not government over citizens. European Economic Review, 179, 105147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2025.105147
Manhas, S., Sharma, T., Sharma, B., Khajuria, S., Thakur, N., Thakur, A., Bhagat, R., & Sharma, V. (2026). Chapter 22—Climate-resilient agriculture: Strategies for nutritious food for all. In R. C. Sobti, T. Kaur, H. Walia, P. Rattan, & A. Narula (Eds.), One Planet, One Health, One Future (pp. 357–386). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-38325-0.00004-6
Naz, F., Tanveer, A., Karim, S., & Dowling, M. (2024). The decoupling dilemma: Examining economic growth and carbon emissions in emerging economic blocs. Energy Economics, 138, 107848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2024.107848
Park, C., Hira, A., Rana, P., Pacini, H., & Evans, S. (2024). Dirty, difficult and dangerous: Establishing a plastics waste upcycling system in Nepal. Cleaner Waste Systems, 9, 100190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clwas.2024.100190
Prayitno, G., Fikriyah, Nugraha, A. T., Siankwilimba, E., Wicaksono, A. D., Dinanti, D., Subagiyo, A., Hoque, M. E., & Hiddlestone-Mumford, J. (2025). The role of social and human capital on climate change adaptation in agricultural activities in Indonesia. Environmental Challenges, 21, 101353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2025.101353
Putri, I. G. A. M. A. D., Sari, K., Hasibuan, H. T., Ardiana, P. A., Yanthi, K. D. L., Pradnyani, N. W. A., & Sujana, N. W. K. J. P. (2025). Institutional dynamics and environmental disclosures: Insights from Indonesia’s energy sector. Pacific Accounting Review, 37(4), 592–615. https://doi.org/10.1108/PAR-11-2024-0309
Qiao, Y., Min, X., Ge, S., Zhu, X., & Yang, N. (2026). Artificial intelligence and carbon neutrality: A dual role in emissions forecasting, energy consumption, and sustainable strategies. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 14(3), 122522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2026.122522
Rahardjanto, A., Husamah, Hudha, A. M., & Permana, T. I. (2025). Ecocultural practices in East Java, Indonesia: A hermeneutic phenomenological study on “Reresik Kali” as local wisdom for river conservation. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 102176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.102176
Rizzo, D., Vinatier, F., Jacob, F., Ferchichi, I., Mekki, I., Albergel, J., & Bailly, J.-S. (2025). A framework for the sustainable maintenance of permanent runoff management structures in rainfed agriculture under climate change. Journal of Environmental Management, 377, 124718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124718
Sidqi, M., Bengen, D. G., Priyanta, M., Anggraini, E., Sadiyah, L., & Tirtadanu. (2026). Sustainable management of marine ecotourism in the Gili Matra Marine Conservation Area: An economic valuation and stakeholder-based approach. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 95, 104804. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2026.104804
Theocharis, A. (2026). Community Digital Storytelling for Locally Led Adaptation: Practice, opportunities and challenges. Environmental Science & Policy, 179, 104359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2026.104359
Wang, W., & Li, Q. (2025). Smart farming revolution: Leveraging machine learning for sustainable agriculture. Journal of Cleaner Production, 527, 146434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.146434
Woo, G. (2025). Chapter 1—Geohazards and communities. In S. Martino, M. Della Seta, & C. Esposito (Eds.), Geohazards and Disasters (pp. 1–46). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-22139-2.00002-8
Xie, C., & Chen, C. (2026). Climate change and agricultural heritage: Adapting ancient systems for a sustainable future. Agricultural Systems, 235, 104722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104722
Yang, X., Zhang, L., Hou, M., Wu, F., & Ju, Y. (2025). Tracing the evolution of soil conservation in China: A review of historical insights and modern practices. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, 100592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2025.10.008
Yiengthaisong, A., Chobphon, P., & Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn, T. (2025). Interactions of structural disaster management in landslide prevention: A qualitative study through the multi-level perspective (MLP) and figurational sociology from the lessons of the Lua ethnic community in Thailand. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 119, 105357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105357
Yin, D., Wang, Y., Liu, B., & Yu, Y. (2026). Protected areas as contested contact zones: Leopards, livestock, and the politics of coexistence. Applied Geography, 189, 103944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2026.103944
Yu, H., Zahidi, I., Fai, C. M., & Liang, D. (2025). From devastation to restoration: Charting the course towards sustainable mining practices. Journal of Environmental Management, 391, 126660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126660
Zakaria, N., Juahir, H., Nor, S. M. M., Hanapi, N. H. M., Jusoh, H. H. W., Afandi, N. Z. M., & Abdullah, M. T. (2024). Elephant research challenges and opportunities: A global bibliometric analysis. Ecological Informatics, 82, 102662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102662
Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Ethan Tan, Ava Lee, Lucas Wong
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
