Evaluation of timber harvesting planning in Indonesian certified small and low-intensity managed forests

Abstract

At present, Indonesian certified small- and low intensity-managed forests area (hereafter community forests) are consistently increasing with the growth of smallholder or privately owned forests (hutan rakyat). Timber harvesting planning poses a challenge for community groups to implement their agreed upon harvesting plan, because farmers may delay harvesting schedule or cut the trees earlier (harvesting needs). This study aims to evaluate timber harvesting planning in Indonesian certified community forests by comparing annual harvesting targets and the actual cutting, following discussions with farmers and forest managers. Through observation, interviews and data analyses of two Forest Stewardship Council certified sites, CV. Dipantara and Koperasi Wana Lestari Menoreh, we found that almost every year, forest managers could not strictly push farmers or members to meet the annual harvesting target. It was mostly due to unexpected events on the part of farmers, e.g. marriage, celebrations, illness, or even not needing money during the harvesting period. Consequently, the group of certified community forests was unable to supply wood continuously to industries due to low timber production. The forest certification board should also review their standard requirements to bring them in line with the actual conditions of community forests in order to achieve sustainable forest management goals.