A momentum is growing across Asia to better protect the tenure and livelihoods of millions of people who rely on access to forest lands with three countries stepping forward to further secure these rights, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced today.

Most of the countries in Asia and the Pacific are struggling to address issues related to forest tenure. Inadequate regulatory frameworks and a lack of institutional capacity are major obstacles in the forestry sector in Asia when it comes to recognizing tenure. However, the economic role of forests, particularly in contributing to the improvement of livelihoods and the income of rural communities, has received greater attention in recent years.

Cambodia, Nepal and Viet Nam are three pilot countries working with FAO to move the issues forward.

“Recognition of the importance of strengthening community forest tenure, both from policy and institutional capacity perspectives, to ensure livelihoods and increase the income of forest dependent people is well-reflected in the development priorities of these pilot countries,” said Hiroyuki Konuma, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.

Konuma’s comments reflected the discussions being held today between FAO and the three countries at an inception forum on forest land tenure, convened by FAO and hosted by Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation.

“The livelihoods of millions of people in this region, particularly the rural poor, depend on secure and equitable access to, and control over, these resources. They are the source of food and shelter; the basis for social, cultural and religious practices, and a central factor in economic growth and sustainable development,” Konuma pointed out.

“As we know, there is growing competition for the use of natural resources. Governing institutions often face difficulties in adapting to this growing intensity of competition and to an increasingly dynamic world that provides great opportunities, but also entails large risks and serious concerns. Improving governance of tenure is important, and it is important to do it in ways that reflect the interests of citizens, reconcile differences in opinions, and ensure that people are able to exercise their tenure rights and duties,” Konuma said.

As part of the pilot project, FAO will work with the three countries, building on previous and existing practices, with the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT), and offer training on conflict management and other thematic areas. The initiatives will also focus on current status, trends and challenges regarding forest tenure in Asia and will promote programmes to enhance livelihoods of forest dependent communities.