Beyond the berugaq: Conflict, policy and decision-making in forest and conservation management in Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Protected conservation areas have been created throughout the world to preserve biodiversity resources, protect critical watersheds, prevent the over-exploitation of forest resources, and preserve scenic areas for public enjoyment. Contemporary approaches to the management of these conservation areas increasingly acknowledge the need for addressing both conservation and development agendas. However, assessments of integrated conservation and development projects (ICDPs) have raised questions over the effectiveness of this program approach in reconciling resource management conflicts among competing interest groups. The Nusa Tenggara region of southeastern Indonesia is an area of chronic poverty and marginal agricultural potential; it is also regarded as important for watershed protection and biodiversity conservation. Collaborative research was conducted in six priority forest conservation areas to provide a regional assessment of land use and socio-economic conditions.;Change in upland communities in Nusa Tenggara can be seen in the evolving agricultural and land use systems, economic, social and demographic indicators, and in the legal, procedural, and programmatic dimensions of state management of these extensive forest zones. The erosion of local community authority, competing interests for the uplands, and frequently inappropriate state policies have led to escalating conflict in these areas. Conflicts over forest management and conservation in Nusa Tenggara include those related to: (1) legal, regulatory, and procedural aspects, (2) policy and program implementation, (3) economic and livelihood issues, and (4) social and cultural factors.;The application of three related approaches (adaptive environmental assessment and management, participatory action research, and environmental conflict resolution (is discussed in the context of decision making over the management of these protected forest zones. The combination of these complementary approaches offers an integrated strategy for addressing the dynamics of environmental and social change and multiple, competing agendas among diverse stakeholder groups. The strong emphasis on collaborative learning as a key component of environmental decision making is outlined in a framework for deliberative research; this action research approach can serve as an effective forum for information gathering, exchange, negotiation and decision making.