Conservation of a protected area through the revitalisation of indigenous management system and enterprise development in Indonesia
Case Study C0012
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| Date | 2004 |
| Agency | Ngata Toro Community |
| Donor/support agency | Care International The Nature Conservancy National Park Authority, Indonesia and others |
| Project type | Self implemented |
| Context(s) | indigenous territory |
| Geographic coverage | Indonesia |
| Locality | Central Sulawesi |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/Landscape |
| Development focus | Ngata Toro community |
| Conservation goals | Preservation of tropical forest ecosystem, particularly Lore Lindu National Park |
| Poverty reduction goals | Ensuring sustainble natural resource based development |
Summary
Ngata Toro village is located in Lore Lindu National Park in the central Sulawesi region of Indonesia. This national park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and has been nominated for World Heritage Site status by the government. Since 1993, Ngata Toro community has been involved in an initiative aimed to strengthen their traditions, customary laws and local institutions for sustainable use of forest, land and water for the benefit of the community and of the environment. Thanks to their sustained efforts, in 2001 the government acknowledged traditional lands and traditional knowledge of the community in forest management. 18000 ha of their recognised traditional land, out of a total of 22000 ha, lie within the National Park. This gave the community the authority to manage the national park through the indigenous institutions. With the help of the park authority, many community based organisations, like Indigenous Women of Ngata Toro, along with community based enterprises were established. These enterprises included fresh water fish farming involving 60 participants, pig farming involving 50 participants, handicrafts groups utilising tree bark, rattan and bamboo, involving 48 participants and other such enterprises. These initiatives have reduced poverty and have increased income for health, education and productive activities. Ecotourism and cultural tourism have also been generating revenues for the community. Simultaneously, traditional fine system and social sanctions have curbed encroachments and illegal resource extraction. Working in collaboration with park authorities, traditional rangers are protecting the forest and conserving biodiversity. People have also been trained in the production and use of organic fertilisers, which has helped in maintaining local water sources and environment clean and free of chemicals. Ngata Toro community has also prepared a five year development plan for the village in collaboration with the government and local NGOs.
Conservation impact
Traditional management system has curbed encroachments and illegal resource extraction. People have been trained in the production and use of organic fertilisers, which has helped in maintaining local water sources and environment clean and free of chemicals
Poverty reduction impact
Community based enterprises like fish farming, pig farming, hadicrafts and ecotourism have reduced poverty and have increased income for health, education and productive activities.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Local conservation enterprise opportunities
Ecoagriculture
Devolution or reinstatement of local rights over/access to resources
Revival of traditional practices
Reference 1
http://www.equatorinitiative.net/files/2004-0136_Nom_NgataToroCommunity_Indonesia.doc
More information
Naftali B. Borentjo, Head of Ngata Toro, Toro Village, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia via: Andreas Lagimpu, Program Director, Yayasan Tunas Harapan, Jalan Kijang Harapan, Palu, central Sulawesi, Indonesia , Email: andreas_yth@palu.wasantara.net.id
Related records above this one:
- CARE International (Organisation O0010)
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC) (Organisation O0078)