The role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in assessment of forest condition, pressures and conservation actions at key forest sites in tropical Asia and New Guinea

Abstract

Forests in tropical Asia and New Guinea provide local and global benefits to people and are exceptionally rich in biodiversity but they have receded by more than 75% in the past 100 years. This project set out to strengthen effective engagement of non-state actors in forest monitoring, planning and policy processes in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Guinea, and hence reduce the rate of loss of tropical forests and biodiversity. Monitoring assessments of state, pressure and response were undertaken at key sites for biodiversity conservation using a monitoring protocol established for Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas. Indigenous Peoples and local communities participated in a range of surveillance activities. These assessments were supported by global datasets on tree cover loss and forest integrity. The inputs from Indigenous Peoples and local communities were especially valuable in implementing actions, informing national and regional policies, and in helping them manage their local environment and resources.