Forest management units and local innovations for fire prevention in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

The FORCLIME supported the Provincial Forest Management System in West Kalimantan province and local stakeholders in fire prevention from 2017 to 2020. It empowered Forest Management Unit personnel to become competent facilitators, and to use technical approaches adapted from successful experiences that incorporated local innovations. Alongside fire prevention, the programme promoted dialogue with communities and assistance for them to establish permanent agriculture and agroforestry as a means of reducing the use of fire to clear land, which is the main cause of wildfires and smoke pollution. This article summarize lessons learned from this programme and offers recommendations for fire prevention in Indonesia and beyond.