Indonesia

Bali Barat National Park

Bali Barat National Park occupies approximately 10 percent of the island of Bali. The park supports the development of regional tourism, especially diving and snorkelling, and is spiritually important for local people, whose traditional beliefs strongly support conservation. The park was originally established primarily as a means of protecting the Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), and continues to provide the only remaining natural habitat for this endangered bird. Special measures are pursued to ensure the conservation of the Bali starling and its habitat. Over 200 species of plants are found in Bali Barat National Park, including a number that have special religious significance.

Bukit Bangkirai Forest

Easily accessible from nearby Balikpapan city, this tropical rain forest, rich in biodiversity, is dominated by bangkirai (Shorea laevis). Bukit Bangkirai forest is an ideal ecotourism and outdoor adventure recreation area receiving approximately 1 000 visitors each month. It has a canopy bridge, cottage facilities, jungle trails, bird-watching facilities and a natural orchid garden.

Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park

Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park contains representative areas of montane swamp and tropical mountain forests. Gunung Gede Pangrango is one of the smallest national parks in Indonesia, but is particularly important because it is relatively close to Jakarta. In addition to providing a natural habitat for the Javan leaf monkey and ebony leaf monkey, the park is an important source of clean water for the province of West Java and Jakarta, while also positively affecting the microclimate. The park supports regional tourism, and park management collaborates with local and national non-governmental organizations and other volunteers to protect against littering and illegal activities.

Jambi Forest Concession

The management of Jambi Forest Concession takes into consideration the forest environment, the sustainability of wood supplies, and the socio-economic contributions of the forest. The concession holder uses both manual and mechanical harvesting to reduce impacts on the environment. PT Wirakaraya Sakti attempts to achieve overall sustainable management by converting degraded, logged-over forests to highly productive plantations. Currently a 10-year wood supply plan is in place and a network of conservation forests is retained to protect biodiversity.

Kalok-Nahiang Rivers Forest Complex

The Kalok-Nahiang Rivers Forest Complex is managed to ensure that adequate safeguards are provided in all operations for environmental functions, including watershed stability and conservation of biological resources. Forest planning and management incorporate concepts of sustained-yield production of forest products, based on local forest ecology. Management activities have positive impacts on the well-being and prosperity of local communities. Sustainable production, conservation and the socio-economic well-being of local communities are incorporated into the company's management plans. Timber harvesting is carried out through selective logging with replanting, and biodiversity is protected by delineating areas for protection of genetic resources and biodiversity. The company believes that achieving long-term sustainability of forest resources involves the development of partnerships involving the concessionaire, government and forest communities. Regular consultations with stakeholders take place and their views are incorporated into management and operational plans. Local communities are given preference in employment in logging and other forest management activities.

Ketapang Timber Concession

PT Suka Jaya Makmur has developed conflict resolution mechanisms and established co-management with local communities to improve relationships with local people. The company has also established an arboretum to help protect biological diversity. Timber is harvested using reduced impact logging practices, and silviculture follows the Indonesian selective cutting system.

Komodo National Park

PKA Balai Taman Nasional Komodo and The Nature Conservancy currently collaborate to protect Komodo National Park's unique biodiversity (both marine and terrestrial). The main challenge is to reduce both threats to the resources and conflicts between incompatible activities. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) population is relatively stable and its natural habitat is being maintained. Under an innovative - but controversial - initiative, a private company is being given tourism concession rights in exchange for financing park conservation. The park supports regional tourism and collaborates well with the local government and local communities. In 1992, the park was declared a World Heritage Site.

Labanan Timber Concession

Labanan Timber Concession utilizes reduced impact logging techniques and provides a site for training and research on sustainable forest management. Between 1989 and 1995, the French Government and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry established permanent sample plots at Berau to study natural regeneration. Since 1996, the Berau Forest Management Project - a joint EU and Indonesia initiative - has developed appropriate tools and systems for implementing sustainable forest management. There is on-site training on planning for forest management using Global Information Systems, as well as a herbarium with over 10 000 specimens. Inhutani I has developed a "model forest" concept through multistakeholder consultations. A management joint venture between Inhutani I, local government and local communities has been proposed.

Long Bagun Timber Concession

The Long Bagun Timber Concession is notable for maintaining smooth relations with local communities, and for preserving areas of high conservation value. PT Sumalindo uses cable logging and has adopted reduced impact logging techniques to minimize adverse environmental impacts. The concession maintains a good relationship with indigenous people and consults with them to identify boundaries of villages and their traditional forests and fields during the process of forest zoning, prior to timber harvesting operations.

Mount Rinjani National Park

Mount Rinjani National Park provides a model for ecotourism development in Indonesia, with community-based activities focused on the Rinjani trek. The park provides an important source of water for communities in the surrounding area. The park authorities have good relations with local government, universities, communities and local and national non-governmental organizations, particularly with respect to ecotourism development. In addition to supporting regional tourism, the park is a unique place for education and research since it lies in the Wallacea transitional zone, containing both Asian and Australian vegetation types.

Musi Rawa Plantations

The Musi Rawa forest plantations are managed to involve local people in the wood-processing industry in a sustainable manner. Xylo Indah Pratama is responsible for planning, infrastructure and facility development, species selection, harvesting and marketing; with input and participation from local people and local government. Local people are employed as office and field workers, and local government officials are involved as supervisors and facilitators.

Protection Forest of Mt. Semuang

Mt. Semuang is an important watershed area, as well as providing habitat for a range of rare and endangered animals. The Dayak Hibun community is attempting to protect the forest around Mt. Semuang from logging and to develop it as an ecotourism area. The key objectives of management are protection and biodiversity conservation.

PT Ratah Timber Concession

The PT Rayah Timber Concession is managed for wood production using the Indonesian selective cutting system and applying reduced impact logging methods. The concessionaire is committed to management through a multi-stakeholder approach that includes inputs from the government, the private sector and local communities. The concessionaire implements village development activities in conjunction with local communities.

Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park

Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park supports significant populations of endemic, rare, and vulnerable fauna. The park contains several diverse ecosystems including coastal mangrove swamps, tropical savannah grasslands and extensive lowland rain forests. The park is the natural habitat for 32 species of rare birds, 37 species of birds endemic to Sulawesi and several endemic mammals. The park is an important site for education and research activities, provides good bird watching and supports the development of regional tourism.

Rimba Berseri Forest Cooperative

Rimba Berseri Forest Cooperative provides a unique case in Indonesia where communities bordering the forest have been granted timber concessions in the natural forest. The aim is to implement improved silviculture and harvesting through community management of concessions. A subsidiary requirement is to minimize capital expenditure by processing harvested timber on site with mobile sawmills, thereby eliminating the use of heavy machinery. Forest management is integrated with village development plans based on participatory land-use planning of the overall area. The land-use planning process and the institutional set-up reflect both the traditional rights' system and the national legal system, thereby integrating the interests of both local communities and the government. The management system has been developed as part of a project of technical cooperation between the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), in close cooperation with local governments and local communities. It is based on long-term field testing together with communities and other partners. Due to recent political, social and economic uncertainties in Indonesia, the project has had difficulties in producing immediate and visible impacts on a large scale. Nevertheless, local governments and communities have started to view it as an opportunity to positively address issues of concession management.

Sanggau Forest

Sanggau forest is owned by the government, but has been declared a "Forest Area with a Special Purpose," which gives local people defined user rights. LKAD has established a project that allows people to use and sell forest resources, but without destroying the forest. The project aims to combine timber extraction, farming and collection of non-timber forest products. The project uses an integrated approach that works to improve local livelihoods through participatory forest management that is sensitive to both traditional and state laws. Local people's participation is emphasized to ensure sustainability, as well as providing a holistic perspective on forest resource use. Land-use plans integrate forest reserves with dryland rice fields and home gardens to improve productivity and maintain sustainability. Activities are carefully controlled to preserve the forest environment. The local communities elect stewards who monitor what is happening throughout the forest.

Subanjeriji and Benakat Forest Region

Subanjeriji and Benakat plantation forests are part of a forest concession licensed to PT Musi Hutan Persada. The areas of the concession were largely scrub, heavily degraded forests and grasslands and these areas are being converted to forest plantations. The main species planted is Acacia mangium, a legume with a good growth rate that enriches poor soils through nitrogen fixation. PT Musi Hutan Per sada established species trials prior to large-scale plantation development and invested in all-weather roads, bridges, schools and clinics to benefit local communities. The primary focus is on intensive management of forest plantations, but the company also operates a social forestry programme that allows local farmers to plant agricultural crops between rows of plantation trees. The company also awards school and university scholarships to local students. Twelve transmigration sites (4 580 families) have been developed and each family has been allocated two hectares of rubber plantations. Some transmigrants also work in the forest plantation as contractors or employees.

Teak Forest of Blora

The management of teak forests in Blora District dates back to 1874, when sustainable-yield principles were first applied as part of the first National Forest Management Plan. This teak plantation is considered to be well managed because production is in line with targets, the rate of soil loss is relatively low and the quality of water arising in the plantation is good. The teak trees are grown on an 80-year rotation. After felling, replacement trees are planted. PT Perhutani has established a teak forest tourism enterprise, using a three-wagon train pulled by an antique locomotive.

Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon was Indonesia's first national park. Habitats in the park consist of lowland rain forest, swamp, mangrove and beach forest, including the largest remaining area of lowland rain forests in the Java plain. The park maintains a stable population of the Javan rhinoceros. The population of these extremely endangered animals in Ujung Kulon is estimated to be 50 to 60 head. The park provides an important site for education and research and supports regional tourism. It was declared a World Heritage site in 1992.

Wanabdurahman Forest

In the 1970s, local people settled inside Wanabdurahman forest area and established a coffee plantation. However, from 1983 to 1986, these people were resettled and reforestation was attempted. These initial reforestation efforts were unsuccessful and community-based forest management was introduced in 1998, after certain preconditions were met. Local people responded positively and a self-funding, multipurpose tree plantation was established. Plantation activities provide long-term economic and ecological benefits, as well as a learning process for farmer groups interested in applying sustained-yield principles.

Kyrgyz Republic

Kyrgyz Ata Juniper Forest

The Kyrgyz Ata Juniper Forest was created between 1964 and 1996, primarily by Alexander Choub, who dedicated most of his life to its establishment and management. The primary species planted is mountain juniper (archa). Choub set up nurseries that produced more than 10 million seedlings, which were planted and checked regularly to ensure that the juniper berries were not infected. In the past, the trees were used for fuelwood and as construction materials. Located in the remote Kyrgyz-Ata Valley, this forest was placed under government protection in 1992.

Lao PDR

Sangthong District Model Forest

Sangthong District Model Forest provides a prototype for sustainable forest management in Lao PDR. The forest is managed under multistakeholder partnerships among local communities, government authorities and the National University of Laos. Forest management aims at developing a model that is ecologically sound, economically viable, technically feasible and socially acceptable. High priority is afforded to capacity building for villagers, university forestry staff, and district forestry staff as well as research to meet the challenges of forest management. The model forest stimulates innovation and best practices through the pooling of human and financial resources, and promotes positive interaction among forest resources, development and conservation, human resource development and research. These innovative practices are promoted at the national level through information exchange, training courses and technology transfer. The Faculty of Forestry of the National University plays a dominant role in management of the model forest, but a multi-stakeholder arrangement ensures the participation of communities in planning, managing and protecting forest resources.

Malaysia

FMU No. 1 Tama Abu and Suling-Selaan Protected Forests

Forests in this region, bordering Kalimantan, are characterized mainly by logged-over forests and forests affected by shifting cultivation carried out by the indigenous Penan people. At Tama Abu and Suling-Selaan Protected Forests, sustainable management practices are implemented as part of a pilot project that follows established environmental, social and economic standards. A community development programme has been initiated that emphasizes sustained wet rice cultivation; it is hoped this will gradually replace inefficient and environmentally less desirable slash-and-burn methods of agriculture. Other aspects of the community development programme include water supply systems, solar and hydropower generation, handicraft production and tourism.

Pekan and Nenasi Forest Reserve

In moving towards Forest Stewardship Council certification, the Rimbaka Corporation manages the Pekan and Nenasi Forest Reserve for commercial timber production as an environmentally responsible production forest that meets community standards and needs. Rimbaka carefully plans all forestry activities, uses specialized equipment to minimize damage to residual trees and other resources, and properly monitors and measures operational performance. Rimbaka not only applies reduced impact logging techniques, but has also invented a timber-harvesting machine that operates as a mobile highlead yarding system. The innovative yarder has an extendable arm that allows control when winching logs and keeps the leading end of the log above the ground, thereby minimizing damage. This harvesting machine reduces the need for forest roads and for heavy machinery. Additional conservation measures help to keep harvesting damage to less than 15 percent of the total forest area. A training programme - for staff of all levels - is an important part of maintaining a high standard of operations.

Temenggor Forest Reserve

Temenggor Forest Reserve is managed to develop a sustainable timber industry in the state of Perak. To this end, forest management is moving towards fulfilling the principles and criteria for Forest Stewardship Council certification. Management emphasizes environmental monitoring systems, detailed documentation of forest activities, frequent monitoring and auditing, periodic review of management plan implementation and an annual management review involving all forest staff. Management provides a strong focus on:

• environmental impacts by practicing reduced impact logging; and

• issues related to high-conservation-value forests.

Perak ITC manages the forest on a 30-year harvest cycle with stakeholder involvement in planning and decision-making processes. Stakeholders include government agencies, non-governmental organizations and local communities (orang asli).

Mongolia

Pine Forest of Khodood

The members of the local community forestry group utilize forest resources sustainably including implementation of conservation and reforestation activities. They have organized themselves to stop illegal felling and to prevent fires, and have also established a tree nursery. Community involvement in forest management has also helped to alleviate poverty. Community members annually reforest 30 to 70 hectares, collecting 30 kilograms of pine seeds, and planting up to 400 000 seedlings.

Pine Forest of Sang River

Bugant is a privately-owned, forest-harvesting and wood-processing company. In addition to harvesting and processing merchantable timber for commercial purposes, the company also collects seeds, raises seedlings and carries out reforestation at the Sang River Forest. All of the company's operations are guided by a five-year management plan, which requires government approval. Fire protection activities and prevention of illegal logging are key elements of the forest management plan. The company is presently reforesting approximately 150 hectares each year.

Tujin Nars Pine Forest

Wildfires are prevalent in Mongolia and 25 700 hectares of burned areas in Tujin Nars forest currently require reforestation. The Forest and Wildlife Centre has reforested 350 to 450 hectares and has produced one million seedlings from seeds collected locally. In addition to replanting, the Centre has organized measures to stop illegal logging and prevent forest fires.

Myanmar

Alungdaw Kathapa National Park

Alungdaw Kathapa National Park is located in a mountainous area approximately 100 miles west of Mandalay. It was classified as reserved forest as early as 1893, and although it was logged selectively for teak in the past, it remains largely undisturbed. Large mammals living in the park include elephants, gaur, banteng, sambar and a relatively large population of tigers. The exceptional management features include conservation of natural forests and wildlife, including tigers, ongoing research, environmental education and development of ecotourism.

Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary

Conserving the Meinmahla Kyun mangrove forest is important because of the large number (29) of tree species adapted to the brackish water delta area, as well as the habitat it provides for crocodiles, turtles and tortoises. A number of conservation measures have been implemented, such as:

• the reintroduction of the estuarine crocodile;

• establishment of a crocodile-breeding centre;

• environmental education;

• construction of wooden walkways in the forest; and

• facilitation of natural regeneration of mangroves.

Paukkhaung Model Forest

Management of Paukkhaung Model Forest focuses on people's participation in forestry operations and activities, and their influence over forest management decision making through frequent partnership meetings. Stakeholder partnership groups develop specific forest management plans for the model forest area. Management practices include timber harvesting in accordance with the national Code of Forest Harvesting, adherence to the prescribed annual allowable cut, demonstrations of agroforestry and community forestry, rehabilitation of degraded forest areas and training related to income-generating activities. Timber harvesting is carried out under a selective felling regime, with adoption of reduced impact logging practices. Skidding is mainly done using elephants, thereby minimizing environmental damage. The Forest Department is responsible for protection, conservation and sustainable management, while the Myanma Timber Enterprise is responsible for timber harvesting, milling, downstream processing and marketing. Model forest partnership groups are involved in decision making. Their leadership role is significant - as is demonstrated by the active participation of local communities in model forest activities.

Nepal

Badaharamal Community Forest

The Badaharamal Community Forest User Group manages this forest using systematic coupe harvesting based on resource inventories and verified growth rates. Since management responsibilities were handed to the group, the condition of the forest - including levels of biodiversity and its contribution to flood control - has improved.

Basanta-Hariyali Community Forest

Community participation in forest management is the key aspect in the Basanta-Hariyali Community Forest. Every household knows the plans for forest use and is aware of all forest-related activities. With the active participation of women, the Forest User Group has improved the quality of the forest stands. The community now has readily accessible forest products and has generated funds for community buildings, roads and other community development activities. These include initiatives such as literacy classes for women, which have led to increased participation by women in village decision making.

Bharkhore Forest

The Bharkhore Forest User Group applies a wide range of silvicultural operations through the adoption of a learning cycle and experiments to study growth and yield. There is a high level of participation among all users, who have developed a strong coordination system among themselves and with other user groups. This Forest User Group has earned about US$25 000 over the past six years. Management has been so successful that their systems have been copied by neighbouring Forest User Groups.

Bhitteri Community Forest

Management of the Bhitteri Community Forest includes the commercial harvesting of non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants, argeli (Edgeworthia gardeneri) and lokta (Daphne spp.), both being shrubs that produce fibre for high-value hand-made paper. The forest management plan is based on detailed surveys and resource assessments and incorporate modern and traditional management techniques such as zonation and site-specific prescriptions. The communities have successfully afforested considerable areas utilizing mainly blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) and argeli shrubs. The Forest User Group contributes to a number of non-forestry issues such as financial support for schools, trail improvements and bridge construction. These activities are funded by the profits generated from sales of non-timber forest products, as well as revenues from a cardamom enterprise and an argeli "white-skin" enterprise.

Gagankhola Community Forest

Gagankhola Community Forest has been used to revitalize Lal Pur Village in Siraha District. The community has taken steps to prevent flash floods by establishing plantations along the riverbanks, while at the same time gaining economic benefits by cultivating medicinal plants in the community forest. The Forest User Group also operates an herbal processing plant. Herbal farming in the forest started in 1997, initiated by Save the Children, a charitable aid agency, as a means of raising the standard of living for economically-crippled families in the village. Thirteen hectares of the community forest (about one-third) are allocated for herbal farming. Revenues from herbal farming have helped to provide clean drinking water facilities in the village.

Gurase Community Forest

The Gurase Community Forest User Group plans harvesting and management operations and generates community development funds by selling forest products. The Forest User Group promotes natural regeneration and has constructed a reservoir to provide water to forest areas.

Jadikausi Community Forest

Jadikausi Community Forest is of global significance for conservation of rare plants and is managed by the local community as a primary source of livelihoods. The forest is managed to produce timber and high-value medicinal plants that provide sizeable revenues for the Forest User Group and to individual household incomes. The Forest User Group fund is used for innovative investments such as the establishment of a micro-hydropower plant for electricity, and benefits are distributed equitably. The community's forest management plan is based on detailed surveys and resource inventories, even for remote and difficult terrain.

Kankali Forest

The Kankali Forest User Group has an active role in forest management, ranging from fulfilling subsistence needs by harvesting forest resources to developing the forest for tourism related to the conservation and renovation of the Kankali Temple. The community has initiated many activities related to biodiversity conservation and has an increased focus on efficient utilization of non-timber forest products - including 294 species of medicinal and aromatic plants - for community development purposes.

Kumrose Community Forest

Fifteen years ago, the land now covered by Kumrose Community Forest was mostly barren; the forest had been cleared by loggers and was under a government resettlement campaign. In the late 1980s, the community united to plant trees and to recreate the once lush jungles of the area. Today, the area generates significant revenues from tourists who visit for elephant rides and nature walks. Nearly 1 200 households in the vicinity benefit directly from the forest, which helps meet their fuelwood, timber, fodder and thatch needs. The forest also helps reduce the severity of floods, while attracting wildlife such as rhinoceros and tigers. Entry fees from tourists are used to fund conservation activities. The fences that demarcate the forest area from the village are regularly maintained and repaired, rhinoceros trenches are dug and money is invested in various development activities in Kumrose Village. Biogas plants have been installed in many households as an alternative source of energy, and villagers are encouraged to use less fuelwood from the forest. In 1995, Kumrose forest was registered as a community forest and it continues to operate according to the government's community forestry regulations. Decision making related to protection and management has been devolved to Forest User Groups set up by Village Development Committees.

Malati Community Forest

In addition to increasing forest production and improving soil erosion control, community management of Malati Community Forest has also included the establishment of demonstration plots. Community management has increased income generated from the forest and has also promoted a livestock-based enterprise. Participatory decision making, with the active participation of women, has been institutionalized in the Forest User Group.

Pipledi Ban Community Forest

Pipledi Ban forest has been allocated to a Forest User Group as part of Nepal's community forestry programme. The Forest User Group has promoted forest regeneration in high-priority areas closest to the village. This has been accomplished with nominal support from District Forest Rangers and no direct support from foreign donors. The community takes its role as forest steward seriously, carefully protecting against wildfires, and conducting pruning and thinning operations. The community has also demonstrated its ability to work together to protect its forest from incursions by outside groups. The forest is managed primarily for timber production, but will soon shift to a multiple-use management strategy. A committee selected by local users manages the forest with assistance and oversight from District Forest Rangers.

Raktamala Community Forest

Sustainable forest management is carried out at Raktamala Community Forest with a focus on meeting community needs. Community management has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the condition of the forest, with tangible economic, ecological and social benefits. The local community regulates forest use by providing clearly defined annual yield estimates and recommendations for forest product harvesting.

New Zealand

Brooklands, Wangaro and Ruakiwi Forests

The New Zealand Forestry Group has established plantations of radiata pine (Pinus radiata), applying up-to-date research findings through a carefully controlled system. Initial growth rates have been strong and uniform with high survival rates - up to 100 percent in many planted areas. Planting and monitoring of growth using Quality Assurance Indicator Plots have proven invaluable in gauging the quality of establishment. This reliable gauge allows the identification of defects in early plantings for subsequent attention. Success has also been due to training of nursery and field staff in strict quality assurance procedures. The growth of tree stocks in supply nurseries is monitored carefully, and planting sites are prepared thoroughly with attention to pest control. During outplanting, care is taken to maintain the vigour of planting stocks by minimizing handling and exposure. Workers and supervisors who maintain high standards are paid incentive bonuses and are recognized with award certificates.

Esk, Gwavas, Kaweka, Mohaka and Tangoio Forests

Pan Pac Forest Products has achieved Forest Stewardship Council certification of its forests, recognizing the company's excellent management systems. These include robust policies, procedures and plans, as well as operational control and review mechanisms for worker safety and health, forest productivity and environmental outcomes. The company has strong economic, social and environmental commitments to the people and resources of Hawke's Bay. Pan Pac plantations - totalling about 43 100 hectares, mostly of radiata pine - are managed mainly for timber production. Recreational opportunities and non-timber forest products are available to the wider community. The company maintains a high standard of environmental management and monitoring.

Flagstaff Forest and Ross Creek Forest

Forest management planning at Flagstaff Forest and Ross Creek Forest is sensitive to many issues, including recreational demands, aesthetics, and historic and natural values. Operations are also highly sensitive to soil and water conditions, particularly since the soils of Flagstaff Forest are heavy clay and prone to compaction. Biodiversity is an important issue so the forests are maintained in a complex mosaic of age classes, with a more diverse range of species than in most New Zealand commercial forests, while patches of indigenous forest are protected. City Forests operates environmental management systems to provide clarity of management purposes and the inclusion of community stakeholders into management planning, where social and environmental values are involved. For example, City Forests and the New Zealand Forest & Bird Society jointly encourage healthy indigenous forest regeneration. The high quality of management applied by City Forests has been recognized by Forest Stewardship Council certification.

Fletcher Challenge Forest Estate

Fletcher Challenge Forests' management has successfully encompassed a range of land tenures, including 132 joint venture forests on both Maori-owned and freehold land. The Fletcher forest estate encompasses 47 000 hectares of joint-venture forests and 181 000 hectares of forests established on crown lands. Each of these forests requires that specific contractual obligations and commitments be met, as well as managing to meet requisite environmental outcomes and to complement site conditions. The forests also provide recreational opportunities, community employment, habitat for flora and fauna and protection of archaeological sites. The principal species planted is radiata pine. The Fletcher Challenge Forests' estate has been the location for many planting trials and much research that has supported the development of plantation forest management in New Zealand. Application of research results has resulted in a high-quality forest estate that reflects tremendous advances in tree breeding, propagation and silvicultural practices.

Private Forest owned by Nick and Pat Seymour

The Seymour family practices a system of agroforestry using willows and poplars to control erosion, which complements pastoral farming and provides aesthetic benefits. Widely-spaced plantings stabilize erosion-prone mudstone soils and provide emergency forage for livestock during droughts. The family maintains radiata pine plantations for both production and protection of water quality. They also manage 30 hectares of native forest reserves, set aside under a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant to preserve habitats for indigenous flora and fauna.

Private Forest owned by Phillip and Robyn Holt

The Holt family closely integrates livestock farming and forestry. The family practices innovative planting and management of native trees and shrubs that demonstrates the economic viability of recreational planting and sustainable management of indigenous forests. The family's forest plantation of radiata pine is managed to take account of land-use suitability, as well as to provide financial returns. Goats are introduced into these plantations once the bark is hard enough to withstand their presence, usually when the trees are eight years old. The goats help to control weeds in the plantation, while the trees provide supplementary fodder. This innovative integration of plantations and livestock has the added environmental benefit of helping to minimize the use of chemical herbicides.

Rabbit Island Forest

Rabbit Island Forest is managed for wood production as well as providing strong recreational values. The forest is owned by local government and managed for multiple uses. Harvesting in the forest is carried out on a 30-year rotation. Rabbit Island encompasses a popular beach, which is visited by over 100 000 people each year. The forest greatly assists in protection from wind and sea erosion. Processed sewage has been sprayed on 500 hectares of the island's forests, excluding recreational, beach and local Maori tribal areas, and has improved tree growth.

Raumati Private Forest

A part of Raumati farm-forest has been planted with willows to reclaim and stabilize excessively wet areas, while also doubling as emergency drought fodder for livestock. Since 1973, the Halliday family has systematically planted blocks of eroding land with radiata pine. The proceeds from the first radiata pine harvest have been used to fence all significant waterways on the farm, which has benefitted downstream water quality. Converting land that is least suitable for pastoral farming into forest has led to an intensification of livestock farming - 30 percent of the farm area has been reseeded with high-production pasture species during the last ten years.

South Eastern Ruahine River Management Scheme

The area covered by the South Eastern Ruahine River Management Scheme is managed to achieve diverse objectives working with multiple landowners. These objectives centre on "community benefit" over a large area. Specific benefits include reduced soil erosion, more stable river channel alignment, enhanced landscape values, shelter, improved water quality, a denitrification zone (an area of riparian vegetation that helps to remove nitrogen from waterways) and enhanced habitat for improving biodiversity. Erosion control of river channels and riparian zones is one of the primary management objectives. Planting of trees such as willows on the outer banks of the meandering river course, combined with permeable groynes, are key elements in meeting this objective.

Stoney Creek Soil Conservation Reserve

Reforestation at the Stoney Creek Soil Conservation Reserve has stabilized eroded lands significantly, particularly in gullies and streambeds. Erosion in this area resulted from clearing land for farming in the 1870s. Since the creation of the conservation reserve, all scrub and native remnant vegetation has been retained, while areas of pastureland have been planted with radiata pine. This has increased land stability by reducing the impacts of heavy rainfall and storm runoff. Slip margins have been seeded with lupins and grasses, and erosion debris in streambeds has been stabilized with willow and poplar poles. There are significant opportunities within the site for education on all aspects of soil and water conservation.

Stringer Farm Forest

Stringer Farm Forest is managed to produce good clearwood timber, while maintaining environmental and safety standards. The main species planted is Pinus radiata, which is complemented by recent plantings of Cupressus and Sequoia species. The Stringer family plants the latest available genetic material to maximize production. Recently, oaks were planted in front of radiata pine blocks to minimize the visual "cliff effect" on the edge of pastureland. An area of natural forest has been conserved under a Queen Elizabeth II Trust covenant. The farm forest hosts various education and extension programmes for farm foresters and interested members of the public.

Weyerhaeuser Forests in Nelson and Marlborough

Weyerhaeuser has a strong focus on sustainable management, balancing the requirements of industrial wood production with health, safety and environmental requirements and stakeholders' expectations. Managers are committed to an open management style, while at the same time implementing sophisticated management systems with a hierarchy of objectives, policies procedures and plans. Improvement committees allow stakeholders to have input into the direction of management. With this management structure and style, each operation follows a process that includes a commitment to achieving standards that often exceed legal requirements, consultation with people who may be affected by the operation, regular monitoring of environmental effects and careful management of native forest reserves and historic sites.

Woodhill Forest

Woodhill Forest is managed for multiple objectives to meet the respective needs of its owner, the community of Auckland, and the environment. The forest is managed to provide a sustainable source of wood to sawmills in the local area. Carter Holt Harvey also generates income from alternative uses such as recreation and has begun to address future land ownership issues. Presently the government owns the land on which the forest stands, but ownership is expected to change in the future as a result of ownership claims by local Maori tribal groups. The company has worked successfully with new landowners in the past and the current process of meeting with local Maori has built a relationship of trust and understanding. The company has built an education centre to encourage students and community groups to learn about the history, wildlife, native plants, forest trees, social and environmental influences and commercial activities that occur in and around the forest. To address environmental interests of the local community, harvesting is controlled along the western edge of the forest which borders local farms. An important management goal is to prevent the drifting of sand dunes and, especially, to protect the nearby farmland from the threat of windblown sand covering pastures.

Philippines

Batangan and Tayan Traditional Forests

The indigenous communities within the Cordillera Mountain Range, in the northern part of Luzon, have a rich cultural heritage. Through experience and learning, the different tribal groups have developed management strategies to sustain their resources in a rugged mountainous environment. Common property ownership and management by families, clans and villages militates against land conversion, while community-initiated management practices have led to the establishment of pine plantations and the natural regeneration of pine and mossy vegetation. Strong indigenous socio-political institutions at the village level facilitate decision making and conflict resolution.

Buenavista Community Forest

Barangay Buenavista is the site of the Developing Tropical Forest Resources Through Community-Based Forest Management project, supported by the Inter national Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The entire community is involved in the development and management of the forest area. Securing land tenure has been a key to successful management. Degraded lands are developed into plantations and agroforestry farms. The community promotes natural regeneration to enhance biodiversity, and also development of non-timber forest products.

Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve

The Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve is protected and managed to provide vegetative cover to sustain water yields and quality. The area is almost fully covered with mature forest plantation. Developing the reserve as an ecotourism destination is envisaged. Presently, transportation facilities to the area are adequate, and there are plans to construct facilities for outdoor recreation consistent with the ecology and biodiversity of the area. A viewing deck, campsites and butterfly farms are envisaged. Activities that are consistent with the sustainable management of the watershed will be developed to enhance the livelihoods of local people. These activities will alleviate the current harvesting of fuelwood from the reserve by local people.

Cienda San-Vicente Forests

The Cienda San-Vicente Farmers' Association manages this natural forest area under a Community-Based Forest Management Agreement, for conservation purposes. This is unusual given that the forest does not have protected-area status. However, because the community depends on the forest for irrigation water, a "no-felling" policy and other watershed protection measures such as reforestation with indigenous species and forest zonation have been implemented. The community is especially motivated to protect their forests because of the memory of a flashflood, in 1991, that killed 6 000 people in a neighbouring town. The community is able to manage this forest area for conservation because they have developed sustainable livelihoods that are not dependent on forest destruction. These livelihoods include marketing indigenous tree seedlings, ecotourism and providing hands-on training in forest ecology, taxonomy and phenology. Community members harvest wildings and seeds of trees, which are then raised in a community nursery for reforestation or for sale.

Martinez Gmelina and Mahogany Plantation

This family-owned forest plantation is now 7 years old and fully established. It will be harvested when the plantation is 15 years old, in line with the forest plan. The forest plantation is maintained by hired labourers, who carry out pruning and silviculture and also patrol the perimeter of the plantation to protect against encroachment.

Mt. Pangasugan

Primary forests at Mt. Pangasugan have been protected, and disturbed areas rehabilitated through the planting of indigenous trees and the development of agroforestry systems on hillside farms. There have also been efforts to preserve Mt. Pangasugan's biodiversity through the rehabilitation of kaingin (shifting cultivation) areas to create buffer zones, while also protecting water cycles and providing farmers with stable, improved incomes. These rehabilitation efforts have created habitats for several endangered animals such as the Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syricta), flying lemur (Cynociphalus volans) and Fischer's pygmy fruit bat (Haplonycterus fischeri). Management has been facilitated through:

• education and communication campaigns;

• the creation of field laboratory sites for instruction, research and extension; and

• field surveys and monitoring.

The university also coordinates management with local people and organizations.

SUDECOR Forest Concession

SUDECOR has been implementing sound forest management and development practices for more than 40 years. The concessionaire maintains one of the best growing stocks of naturally regenerated dipterocarp forests in the Philippines. By closely adhering to prescribed forestry laws, rules and regulations, SUDECOR has been able to maintain a green mantle of tropical forest vegetation, which covers approximately 92 percent of the concession. The company has adapted to the 1992 government policy banning logging of old-growth forests, and has maintained profitability by harvesting well-stocked secondary forests, under careful silvicultural prescriptions. The concession was chosen as an experimental site for special foreign-assisted research projects during the last decade and has also hosted field observations and study tours.

Terani-San Isidro Community Forest

In this upland forest region, where timber poaching and kaingin (shifting cultivation) farming are major sources of livelihood, KAPPAS, a local people's organization, has been awarded a government-sanctioned Community-Based Forest Management Agreement for the area. The agreement stipulates that protection, rehabilitation and conservation are to be key aspects of forest management. To these ends, KAPPAS coordinates with agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to implement four core components of the agreement: community capacity building and institutional strengthening to better implement sustainable resource management; alternative livelihood strategies such as developing rattan processing for furniture, and implementing new agroforestry practices; proactive resource management such as participatory inventories, assisted natural regeneration and nursery establishment; and building alliances and networks with relevant agencies.

Republic of Korea

Daegwallyeong Special Plantations

Daegwallyeong Special Plantations are located in the eastern mountains, where strong winds and snows prevail, and thus even grasses and shrubs have difficulty growing along ridges. However, these areas have been successfully planted with native firs, by using windbreak structures to protect seedlings. This has enabled the successful reforestation of this extremely harsh mountain environment.

Gwangneung Forest

Since its establishment (in 1987) as the National Arboretum, Gwangneung Forest has been managed for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of genetic resources. The arboretum has been well managed with about half of the total forest area regenerated through plantations, yet it maintains a high level of biological diversity and is an important bird-watching destination. This forest has deep historical importance, having been designated as a Royal Forest in 1468 during the Yi Dynasty.

Jang-Seong Japanese Red Cedar and Hinoki Cypress Model Forest

A pioneering forester, Mr Im Jong-Guk, established the Jang-Seong plantations over a period of 20 years, beginning in 1956. The forests are famous in Korea, and provide a model for management of Japanese red cedar and Hinoki cypress plantations. In recent years, a decline in the forest industry has seen most private forest owners reluctant to invest further in the forestry sector. In 2002, the Korean Government opted to purchase part of these forests and commissioned a group of forestry experts to craft a sustainable forest management plan.

Uljin Keumgang Pine Forest

During the decades of colonial occupation and the Korean War, illegal felling and over-cutting were prevalent in Uljin Keumgang Pine Forest. However, the relative remoteness of the forest meant that it was less affected than many other areas. In 1982, the Korean Government formally recognized its value and moved to conserve its genetic resources. The average height of Uljin pine trees is 23 metres, with an average diameter at breast height of 38 centimetres. The average age of the trees is 150 years.

Unduryeong Economic Forest

Unduryeong Economic Forest contains 24 hectares of natural pine forest for timber production and cultural restoration, 123 hectares of coniferous plantation, 833 hectares of deciduous trees (170 hectares being plantation), and a 30-hectare seed orchard for Betula platyphylla and Abies holophylla Max. The area integrates natural deciduous trees with conifers and is being managed to produce large-diameter trees. The forests are being used for educational purposes with an emphasis on rehabilitation and silivicultural treatments to add economic value.

Thailand

Forests managed by Chiang Rai Forestry Training Center

The management of these Northern Thailand forests focuses on watershed protection and sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products. Bamboo is produced for income generation - young shoots are grown for food, while stems are used for handicrafts and construction materials. A rattan and bamboo extension programme focuses on management and sustainable use of undergrowth and climbing plants to provide cash incomes for villagers. These programmes integrate research, technology transfer, demonstration plots and extension. The various programmes are undertaken by working groups comprising staff of the training centre, community members and forestry officials.

Tung Yao Community Forest

The local community has managed Tung Yao forest for more than 70 years. The forest area has been expanded and the quality and diversity of the forest have improved. The community forest committee has established rules for managing the forest. This work has been completed by the community without the assistance of any externally-funded project and without any initial support from the government or non-governmental organizations.

Vanuatu

Vathe Conservation Area

The Vathe Conservation Area was managed initially by a conservation project funded by the South Pacific Regional Environment Program. Since the phasing out of funding, in 2001, the local community has managed the conservation area. The community has established a management committee to operate an ecotourism project. Ecotourism activities include construction of accommodation facilities and opening bush-trekking trails. The management committee is presently developing a management plan that will incorporate conservation measures with traditional practices such as hunting for bushmeat, gathering of non-timber forest products and the collection of fuelwood and building materials.

Viet Nam

Thon Sau

Thon Sau offers an innovative example of forest land allocation to household groups, based on new policies of the Vietnamese Government. The forest and forest land have been allocated to farmers for long-term (50 years) use. A participatory technology-development process has been initiated to identify community-based forest management options for improving livelihoods and forest protection. This process combines local and scientific knowledge to explore various options. Promising possibilities include:

• thinning and tending timber trees;

• collection of non-timber forest products; and

• intercropping Dipterocarpus alatus and Hopea odorata in degraded forests.

The central manager is the village forest management board, which represents the eight households. The board receives technical support from the Quang Tan State Forest Enterprise and the district agriculture and forestry extension station. The social forestry group of Tay Nguyen University plays an advisory role in determining forest land allocation and developing the forest management plan.

Forests of Luc Nam District

A number of forest owners in the Luc Nam District have chosen to plant Castanopsis boisii and Alnus camus because these are multipurpose species that require low financial input, but provide a relatively quick harvest of wood, fodder and fruit. Forest management throughout the District is based on assisted natural forest regeneration, with the participation of farmers and community members.

Dong Bu Forest

The management board for Dong Bu forest is well-organized and has established a strong relationship with local people. The board provides training to locals in forest cultivation and protection methods. After training, families are given rights to use the forest and land, but are also required to sign a forest protection commitment with local authorities. The authorities provide support to the families to ensure the forest is effectively managed.

Ba Ren Forestry Enterprise Forest Plots

Ba Ren Forestry Enterprise has developed a 35-year forest management plan for this concession, to outline a clear management path and to help protect the forest against illegal logging. The forests have been certified for land-use rights, mapped and clearly demarcated. The company has established a good relationship with local people, who are contracted for forest protection work.

Forest Plots 65 and 68: Ho Thac Ba, Ha Bac Province

Do Thap Forestry Service has established a successful pulp (Acacia mangium) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) plantation in a region with no land tenure conflicts. The business is profitable and it also contributes to poverty alleviation by employing local people. The company has a good relationship with local authorities and people.

Xuyen Moc Plantation

This mixed pulp and fruit tree plantation has been established on lands cleared long ago. There are no land tenure conflicts, and the company hires local people as much as possible. Local households are involved in forest protection, seed and seedling production, and planting operations. The company develops forest management plans through a participator y approach that also takes environmental issues into consideration.

Rao An and Nga Doi Forests

Rao An and Nga Doi Forests are well-mapped, with clear demarcation of boundaries. The Huoung Son Forestry Service and Company has full legal status and operates without conflicts with local communities. Wood production is stable and incomes are increasing. There is no illegal harvesting in the concession. The company takes a participatory approach to planning and decision making and uses a benefit-sharing mechanism to assist local people. Locals are also contracted to protect the forests from illegal logging and fires.

Dinh Lap Forest

The land-use rights of Dinh Lap Forestry Enterprise are fully certified, and the concession has been mapped and demarcated in the field. The concession is a highly profitable timber and pine resin production enterprise. The company develops mid-term and long-term plans with clear objectives and actions using a participatory approach and takes into consideration market access and environmental protection. Local people are contracted to carry out forest protection, planting and seedling production.