REDD+ and Communities

the

Agency

of

Indonesias

Forest

Dependent

This research project is part of a multi-university collaboration being led by Victoria University of Wellington. The wider project is investigating the political ecology of REDD+ in Indonesia - looking at how REDD+ is changing the politics and economics of forest governance. We are particularly interested in the ways that stakeholders at different scales are influencing the design and implementation of REDD+, as well as some of the impacts upon forest governance and human-forest interactions. This sub-project focuses on local scale actors. A considerable amount of local-scale research already exists, analysing the livelihood and welfare impacts of REDD+. However, much of this uses quantitative methods to enable comparative analysis. In this project we aim to complement existing research by adopting a detailed qualitative approach that explores the agency of local communities in negotiating the REDD+ program. We intend to use Amartya Sens capability approach, as well as complimentary approaches from the critical geography literature, to provide a broader understanding of the nature of agency within a REDD+ project site, going beyond that related to income or consumption. Sen understands agency as the capacity to act and bring about change. For him, agency is important in evaluating what a person is free to do and achieve in pursuit of whatever goals or values he or she regards as important. This research has developed 4 main objectives designed to lead to a greater understanding of how REDD+ demonstration projects are being negotiated at the local scale. These objectives will be further developed in conversation with project developers. This will ensure the outputs of the proposed collaboration are of mutual benefit. It is assumed however, that increased community participation is in the interests of all concerned.

Objectives The project is particularly interested in the agency of forest dependent communities (FDCs) in Indonesia: I. How are FDCs participating in REDD+ demonstration projects. What is the capacity of different community stakeholders to influence the program?

II. How are FDCs responding to REDD+? How do they understand and perceive REDD+ projects and how does this differ within communities? What are their hopes and fears? III. How are REDD+ pilot projects influencing FDC livelihoods and wellbeing? IV. How is REDD+ changing FDC actors perceptions and connectedness to the forest landscape?

Methodology and concept The research project will utilise a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews and participant observations, to understand existing cultures of participation and well-being; household surveys (Social Network Analysis) to establish benefits, knowledge and participation flows across livelihood landscapes; and cultural domain analysis, to understand changing connections to and perceptions of the forest. It will adopt a case study approach focused on communities within one demonstration site.

Locations and Duration The main empirical phase is expected to last for approximately 9-10 months in total. Locations for the research are likely to include the following Indonesian Provinces: Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and Riau

Supervision Peter Howson, a PhD student at Victoria University of Wellington, will be the primary researcher. He is supported by Dr Mike Gavin (Associate Professor, Colorado State University), Dr Sara Kindon (Senior Lecturer, Victoria University of Wellington) and Associate Professor Andrew McGregor (Macquarie University and Victoria University of Wellington).

Research Teams Contact Information Primary Researcher Research Supervisors Peter Howson (peter.howson@vuw.ac.nz) Mike Gavin (michael.gavin@colostate.edu) Sara Kindon (sara.kindon@vuw.ac.nz) Project Manager Andrew McGregor (andrew.mcgregor@mq.edu.au)