14 February 2013: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has released a report, titled “Towards more equitable terms of cooperation: Local people’s contribution to commercial timber concessions,” which examines the reasons for successes and failures in the establishment of partnerships between local communities and the private sector in forests.

The report, which reviewed some 200 empirical studies across Asia, Latin America, North America and Africa, identifies a number of key issues that determine success, including the extent to which local knowledge is sought and considered and the ability to develop partnerships that are mutually beneficial. In particular, partnerships are more likely to be effective if free prior and informed consent is sought, indigenous peoples and local communities are granted bargaining power and all members of the community are able to participate in decision-making.

The most significant factor determining success, as identified by the report, is land tenure. As such, ensuring that land tenure is clear and ownership or use rights are secure is, according to the report, a necessary pre-condition for effective partnerships. In the case of Indonesia, which is highlighted, the report emphasizes the importance of customary community land rights and their recognition by both local authorities and timber concessions.

CIFOR is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [CIFOR Press Release] [Publication: Towards More Equitable Terms of Cooperation: Local People’s Contribution to Commercial Timber Concessions]