The role of women in managing sustainable forestry based on local authority and needs analysis of the local agroforestry system in North Sulawesi

Abstract

Forests have an important role regarding climate change both in mitigation and adaptation efforts. Indonesia is one of the countries with the most extensive tropical forest systems in the world. However, Indonesia experienced the highest level of forest destruction in Southeast Asia. For this reason, Indonesia needs to apply the principles of Sustainable Forest Management to improve the condition of forests through reducing deforestation without compromising the improvement of the welfare of the surrounding community, both men and women. Previous studies prove the involvement of local communities, both men and women, who consider their local knowledge and wisdom is a determining factor for realizing the objectives of Sustainable Forest Management. Previous studies regarding improving the welfare of forest farmers have ignored the needs of both men and women. Similar studies have not been done much in Indonesia or at the global level. There is less research on local knowledge/knowledge that examines how gender differences determine differences in local knowledge/wisdom that men and women have and their respective needs regarding forest resources. For this reason, this study generally aims to increase knowledge about the differences in local wisdom/knowledge possessed and the perceived needs of both men and women who have the potential to rehabilitate forests while improving their lives. This research is the third study in Barangkalang Sangihe Village, located around the protected forest of Mount Sahendaruman. This study uses qualitative data collection methods concerning local wisdom and the needs of men and women relating to forest resources and management. The principle of triangulation is applied to data collection methods and sources. Data collection is done by interview, discussion and observation. Data sources are farmers and village leaders and social organizations. Data analysis uses a qualitative data analysis approach. The results showed that the subconscious of women in particular and the whole community in general who have absorbed the pattern of forest growth that is diverse, structured from high to lowest creeping, is the superiority of the community around the forest. The superiority of this subconscious can be used as a basic capital to develop forest agriculture (agroforestry) that supports each other (mutualistic symbiosis) with protected forests above. Protection Forest can be maintained well only by the community around the forest who can feel the positive impact of the existence of the protected forest, for example as a source of water and as a source of plant seeds (plasma nuftah). Commercial tree crops managed by farmers in the area around the forest cannot be ignored for their biological function for environmental preservation. Because commercial crops, among others, cloves, nutmeg, coconut, and sago, also perennial plants that have deep roots and are also managed like the growth of forestry plants are not regulated like modern plantations.