preserving the lifeline - public media agency(sahabat eko-pelancongan memulihara alam indah)...

Malaysian EnvironMEntal nGos (MEnGo)for the Community-Based natural resource Management (CBnrM) Facility

of the Biodiversity Component of the

Malaysian-Danish Environmental Cooperation Programme

Lessons Learnt in Community-Based naturaL resourCe managementin maLaysia

Preserving the Lifeline: Lessons Learnt in Community-Based naturaL resourCe managementin maLaysia

Preserving the Lifeline:

Lessons Learnt in Community-Based naturaL resourCe management in maLaysia


Malaysian EnvironMEntal nGos (MEnGo)for the Community-Based natural resource Management (CBnrM) Facility

of the Biodiversity Component of the

Malaysian-Danish Environmental Cooperation Programme

Compiled by adelaine tan

© Malaysian Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (MENGO)For the Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Facility

Any part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior consent from the publisher. Acknowledgement is requested as below:

Preserving the LifeLine: Lessons Learnt in Community-Based naturaL resourCe managementin maLaysia

Published bymalaysian environmental non-governmental organisations (mengo)c/o Environmental Management and Research Association of Malaysia (ENSEARCH)30-2 Jalan PJU 5/16, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaTel: 603-6157 5708 Fax: 603-6157 6707Email: [email protected] Website: www.mengo.org

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ISBN 978-983-44338-4-0

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Contents1

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abbreviations

foreword

Part 1: introduction • CBNRMInitiatives • KeyCommonAreas • ResourceBook • Objectives • TargetAudience • ProjectsSummary

Part2:CommunityProjects • PACOSTrust • TONIBUNG • JOAS • JKKKPusatKrokong • IPIMAS • PSSN • SEMAI • SPNSCommunication

Part 3: Lessons Learnt • InvolvingandEngagingCommunity • WorkingwithGovernmentAgencies • Gender-RelatedConcerns • ReplantingandReforestation • TraditionalKnowledgeandPractices • TimingandTimeliness • AlternativeLivelihoods • ExposureTripsandExchangeVisits • ProjectCoordinationandManagement

Appendices • ExecutingCommunity-BasedOrganizations • AbouttheCBNRMFacility • AboutMENGO

Acknowledgments

triBute

Chairman of semai (SahabatEko-PelanconganMemuliharaAlamIndah)

(Friends of Ecotourism and Conservation of Beautiful Nature) Kg.UluGeroh,Gopeng,Perak

A dedicated and proactive community leader who empowered his community to advance in ecotourism activities, and to upgrade their livelihoods.

A resourceful and creative person who was responsible for showcasing Semai culture and traditional handicraft.

Ahha passed away on 4 March 2010. He is greatly missed by his Semai community, and by community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations.

In Memory of Sahak Bah Udal @ Ahha

1

CBET Community-Based Ecotourism

CBNRM Community-Based Natural Resource Management

CBO Community-Based Organisation

CRNP Crocker Range National Park

DANIDA Danish International Development Assistance

IPIMAS Institut Pribumi Malaysia Sarawak (Indigenous Peoples Institute Malaysia Sarawak)

IPO Indigenous Peoples Organization

JKKK Jawantankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (Village Security and Development Committee)

JOAS Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia)

KBKG Kelab Belia Kampung Gana (Gana Village Youth Club)

Kg Kampung (Village)

KOMOKITUKOD Koisaan Mongillo Kilaan Tulun Kodori (Society of Traditional Knowledge Discovery)

MEBUSA Melikin-Bukar-Sadong Association, a civil society organization in Sarawak

MENGO A grouping of 20 Malaysian Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations

Monungkus Monungkus Koubasaan Ullun Rungus (Inheritance of Rungus Culture)

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

Abbreviations

Abbreviations

2 Lessons Learnt in Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Malaysia

NTFP Non-Timber Forest Product

PACOS Trust Partners of Community Organizations Sabah

PAR Participatory Action Research

PR Pertubuhan Rakyat (People’s Organization)

PSSN Persatuan Sahabat Sungai Nenggiri (Society for Friends of Nenggiri River)

SEMAI Sahabat Eko-pelancongan Memulihara Alam Indah (Friends of Ecotourism and Conservation of Beautiful Nature)

SGPPTF Small Grants Programme for Operations to Promote Tropical Forests (financed by the European Commission and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme through the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). SEAMEO is the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization.)

SPNS Sinui Pai Nanek Sengik (New Life, One Heart)

TONIBUNG Tobpinai Ningkokoton Koburuon Kampung (Friends of Village Development)

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

3

Malaysia, a country with mega biodiversity, is blessed with abundant natural resources. These resources are the lifeline of many forest-dependent communities. Indigenous peoples, through close interaction with their surrounding natural resources, have developed very unique management systems to ensure the sustainability of these resources. However due to excessive exploitation, these natural resources are fast depleting and being extracted in a manner not compatible with sustainable management practices.The traditional knowledge of the indigenous peoples in Malaysia is also threatened because of non-recognition and lack of support for continuing the practice of this knowledge.

The Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Facility, which was administered through MENGO, aimed at identifying and documenting this traditional knowledge, and providing support to mainstream these management systems. The confluence of traditional natural resource management and more modern Western-based management practices could address some of the current issues faced by communities and government agencies in charge of natural resource management in Malaysia.

Preserving the Lifeline showcases eight community projects which relate to the co-management, sustainable use and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity. Valuable lessons could be learnt from these experiences and good practices.

Adrian LasimbangChairperson, Management Group Community-Based Natural Resource Management FacilityPresident Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS)

Foreword

Foreword

Part1introduCtion

5

Preserving the Lifeline captures the lessons learnt from eight community-based projects that were focused on biodiversity and natural resource management, with cross-cutting themes on gender and indigenous peoples.

These projects received grants from the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Facility, with DANIDA as the funding agency. The funding was implemented in Malaysia under the Biodiversity Component, the final part of the Malaysian-Danish Environmental Cooperation Programme 2003-2006.

CBnrm initiatives

The initiatives under the CBNRM Facility, which was administered through MENGO, complemented the work of the Biodiversity Component by contributing to Malaysia’s natural resource management and biodiversity conservation objectives, particularly at the local community level.

The projects were well distributed: three in Peninsular Malaysia, two in Sarawak and three in Sabah.

The eight projects and their locations are shown below (see Table 1 and Figure 1). The background, objectives, outputs and key achievements of the projects are given in Chapter 2. The contact details of the eight project implementers are listed in Appendix 1.

KEyCOMMONAREAS

These projects address five key common areas:• Protection and conservation of biodiversity; • Sustainable management of natural resources; • Development of sustainable alternative livelihoods for local

communities that are dependent on the forest and rivers as sources of income;

• Revitalisation and documentation of best practices and indigenous knowledge on natural resource management; and

• Empowerment and capacity building of local indigenous communities, especially women, to undertake natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.

Introduction


RESOURCEBOOK

Although the experiences documented in Preserving the Lifeline cover only a small percentage of CBNRM projects that are carried out in Malaysia, it is hoped that the experiences and lessons learnt from these projects would provide a valuable resource. Preserving the Lifeline serves as a useful reference for ideas and approaches for organisations intending to initiate new projects within a community. Moreover, existing project implementers could also benefit from the lessons learnt from these CBNRM projects.

OBJECTIVES

Preserving the Lifeline has two objectives:

1 To facilitate the process of promoting good practices in CBNRM and conservation of biodiversity; and

2 To encourage and improve the know-how of local communities and indigenous peoples in natural resource management and conservation of biodiversity.

target audienCe

The three target audiences for Preserving the Lifeline are:

1 Community-based organisations (CBOs), local communities and NGOs that would like to learn more about issues and challenges related to community-based natural resource management and biodiversity conservation;

2 Government agencies, especially those that work with local communities in managing natural resources; and

3 Donors and aid agencies that are working, or intend to work, with local communities in CBNRM, biodiversity conservation and related areas.

7

PROJECTSSUMMARy

Details of the eight projects are given in Table 1.

1

2

3

Introduction

PROJECTSITE

Sabah: 11 villages in the Upper Moyog River area of Penampang, and 8 villages in the Upper Papar River area

Sabah1. Kg Tinangol, Kudat

(in collaboration with MONUNGKUS)

2. Kg. Gana, Kota Marudu (in collabo-ration with KBKG)

3. Kg. Liu, Pitas (in collaboration with KOMOKITUKOD

Sabah

1. Kg. Ulu Senagang, Keningau

2. Kg. Tiga Bundu, Tambunan

3. Kg. Buayan, Penampang

4. Kg. Mengkuwago, Tongod

exeCuting CBos

PACOS Trust

TONIBUNG

JOAS

PROJECTTITLE

Strengthening Community-Based Initiatives on Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Protection for Upper Moyog and Upper Papar Areas

Community-Based Watershed Conservation and Promotion of Biodiversity Protection Through Enrichment Planting and Sustainable Use in the Northern Region of Sabah

Promoting Collaborative Management of Protected Areas: Merging Biodiversity Conservation and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights


Sustainable Development and Conservation Through the Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) Programme

Catalysing Indigenous Community Initiatives on Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Sarawak

Empowering the Temiar Orang Asli Communities for Natural Resource Management in the Nenggiri River Basin

Biodiversity Conservation Involving Semai Orang Asli of Ulu Geroh

Empowering the Semai Community in Biodiversity Protection Through Watershed Conservation at Their Ancestral Land in Kg. Chang Sg. Gepai

JKKK Pusat Krokong

IPIMAS

PSSN (with support from Global Environment Centre)

SEMAI

SPNS Communication

Sarawak: Krokong-Jagoi Area, Bau

Sarawak1. Mudung Abun area

in Belaga, Kapit Division

2. Krangan Tekalong area in Serian, Samarahan Division (in collaboration with MEBUSA)

Kelantan: Pos Tohoi and Pos Pulat in Gua Musang

Perak: Kampung Ulu Geroh, Gopeng

Perak: Kampung Chang Sungai Gepai, Bidor

4

5

6

7

8

Table 1: CBNRM Project Details

9Introduction

Figu

re 1

: Dist

ribut

ion

of C

BNRM

Pro

ject

Site

s

CBNRMProjectSitesinMalaysia

Part2Community PROJECTSontheco-management,sustainableuseandconservationofnaturalresourcesand biodiversity

11

Strengthening Community-Based Initiatives on Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Protection for Upper Moyog and Upper Papar Areas

BACKGROUNd

The PACOS Trust Project involved the collaborative efforts of 19 villages located along the Upper Moyog River and Upper Paper River areas. Part of the Upper Moyog River area was gazetted as the Crocker Range National Park and the Mangkaladom Forest Reserve while all of the Upper Papar River area was gazetted as the Crocker Range National Park, one of the largest and significant national parks in Sabah. The villages are also situated in the main water catchments for the Moyog River and Papar River, which feed water to Kota Kinabalu city and other major towns in the west coast of Sabah. The people in these villages speak a common language, and their ethnic origin is Kadazandusun.

The communities in these areas were doing well due to the assistance given by the government in the farming of cash crops, such as rubber, fruits and vegetables. Additionally, livestock breeding and fish rearing have become increasingly popular. As the population increased, the ‘pressure’ on natural resources, such as land and forest produce, also went up.

Location

Executing CBO

Project Period

19villagesintheupperMoyogRiverandupperPaparRiverareasinPenampang,Sabah

PartnersofCommunityOrganisationsSabah(PaCos trust)

January2008–31december2009

11Community Projects


OBJECTIVES

The scarcity of resources and the growing population were taken into consideration since the project would have to enhance the capacity of the local communities to manage their limited natural resources. These communities would also have to negotiate with the government to co-manage the area for the common good.

Therefore, the developmentobjective for this project was to strengthen the capacity of the communities to manage and protect their natural resources and biodiversity, and also their traditional knowledge. The immediate objective was to enhance cooperation in protecting natural resources in these 19 villages, which hardly get a chance to come together, except for some major festivals, such as Kaamatan.

KEyAChIEVEMENTS

Among the key achievements of the PACOS Trust Project are the following:

1. dialogue: The 19 villages have more opportunities to interact, work together and share their experiences. More importantly, the project has opened more doors for dialogue: between these communities and the government on CBNRM; during project-related meetings; and also during trainings, when government representatives are present.

2. Learning Centre: In sharing local indigenous knowledge, three of the villages have become community learning centres (for the other villages); one for the tagal system (community-based system of restraint), and the other two for the traditional medicine garden. These learning centres are also sources for fish fry and seedlings for other areas where their natural sources have been depleted.

Helen Goliban teaches organic farming techniques during an exposure visit at Kg. Timpangoh Babagon, Penampang, Sabah

Making 3-dimensional map for the community in Ulu Moyog, Sabah

13

3. Curriculum: In an effort to revitalise traditional practices, this traditional knowledge has been documented and developed into a teaching curriculum for pre-school. This curriculum has been used in six community pre-schools, and would be more widely distributed.

4. home-stay Programme: The village socio-economic activities set-up in this project, especially the successful home-stay programme in Kg. Kipouvo and Kg. Togudon, showcase and promote community initiatives in linking biodiversity conservation and ecotourism. Such experiences would be shared with other villages in the Upper Moyog and Papar areas through networking.

5. Gender Participation: This project has demonstrated a strong gender participation and leadership. These communities have been empowered to recognise their rights; and have demonstrated this by mobilising the protest against the proposed Kaiduan Dam in Upper Papar.

Community Projects

Project sharing, reporting and evaluation session at PACOS Training Centre, Penampang, Sabah

Teaching children about traditional medicinal plants at Kg. Kipouvo Herbal Garden, Penampang, Sabah


Community-Based Watershed Conservation and Promotion of Biodiversity Protection Through Enrichment Planting and Sustainable Use in Northern Region of Sabah

BACKGROUNd

The TONIBUNG Project involved three smaller community projects run by three IPOs in these areas:

1. Kg. Tinangol, Kudat – by Pertubuhan Rakyat Monungkus;2. Kg. Gana, Kota Marudu – by Kelab Belia Kg. Gana; and3. Kg. Liu, Pitas – by Pertubuhan Rakyat KOMOKITUKOD.

These three villages had previously initiated watershed conservation projects funded by SGP PTF.

The three communities faced the problem of degraded natural resources due to unsustainable logging practices, which threatened the capacity of their watersheds to supply freshwater for daily use. These watersheds were also sources of important NTFP, such as herbs, wild honey and raw materials for craft making.

Location

Executing CBO

Project Period

1.KgTinangol,Kudat,Sabah2.Kg.GanaKotaMarudu,Sabah3.Kg.Liu,Pitas,Sabah

TobpinaiNingkokotonKoburuonKampung(toniBung)

[FriendsofVillagedevelopment]

January2008–31december2009


15

OBJECTIVES

The development objective of the TONIBUNG Project was to strengthen and facilitate the capacity of the IPOs in watershed conservation and promotion of biodiversity protection.

The immediate objective of the project was to support community initiatives in the planning and implementation of activities that help to improve their natural resources, to maintain their indigenous knowledge, and to build capacity for women and men in their communities.

KEyAChIEVEMENTS

The key achievements of the TONIBUNG Project include:

1. CapacityStrengthening:The capacity of the three communities to manage their degraded natural resources and supply of fresh water was strengthened. In watershed conservation efforts, the three communities have carried out enrichment planting in their watershed areas. More

than 5,000 species of indigenous trees, such as seraya, selangan batu and laran, were planted. All three communities successfully formulated and implemented the community watershed protocol in order to protect the watershed area.

2. KnowledgeRevitalisation: The community in Kg. Liu was enabled to preserve the ‘dying’ knowledge of traditional weaving. This art of weaving was imparted to the younger generation by the only village elder who had such knowledge.

3. CommunityEmpowerment: Through the capacity-building programme, the empowerment of the local communities was clearly enhanced. It was especially notable that the women group in Kg. Liu had the opportunity to

Twice-a-week lesson on traditional weaving in Kg. Liu, Sabah

Repairing gravity pipe at Kg. Gana, Sabah

Community Projects


develop their personal skills, such as public speaking, report preparation, dealing with government officers, learning English and bookkeeping. Additionally, in Kg. Gana, an active youth leadership (aimed at preserving future resources for their village) was strongly demonstrated. Their efforts were recognised and supported by the village elders, which is a departure from the traditional societal norm.

4. Enhanced Confidence: The relationship established with government agencies has encouraged and enhanced the confidence level of the communities to interact with these agencies, and to take a more participatory approach in natural resources management.

Active youth leadership in Kg. Gana, Sabah

17Projects

Promoting Collaborative Management of Protected Areas: Merging Biodiversity Conservation and Indigenous People’s Rights in Malaysia

BACKGROUNd

This JOAS Project was based on the valuable lessons learnt from a pilot project on collaborative management (CM) in the Crocker Range National Park (CRNP) in 2006. The pilot project was initiated by JOAS and PACOS Trust (in collaboration with Sabah Parks, indigenous communities and other stakeholders) through the Collaborative Management Learning Network, an initiative of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact Foundation in Southeast Asia.

This JOAS Project was aimed at disseminating the lessons learnt on CM, and replicating that CM model in other areas within the CRNP and other protected areas in Sabah and Malaysia. The project would document the lessons learnt and the participatory action research (PAR) on CM from the pilot project in Kg. Ulu Senagang, Keningau.

By using PAR, a comprehensive documentation and management model would be developed in the three communities: Kg. Buayan, Penampang, for a pilot project on community-based watershed conservation through the setting-up of a micro hydro system*; Kg. Tiga, Tambunan, for integrated

Location

Executing CBO

Project Period

CrockerRangeNationalPark1. Kg.UluSenagang,Keningau2. Kg.Buayan,Penampang3. Kg.Tiga,Tambunan4. Kg.Mengkuwago,Tongod

JaringanOrangAsalSeMalaysia(JOAS)

1May2008–31March2010



watershed conservation and management; and Kg. Mengkuwago, Tongod, for community mapping and zoning of community forestry areas. (* Micro hydro is a term for hydroelectric power installations that typically produce up to 100 kW of power.)

OBJECTIVES

The development objective of this project was to promote the reconciliation of needs and rights of indigenous communities, and to meet the need for conservation of Malaysia’s biodiversity.

The immediateobjective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of indigenous communities to actively engage in CM, and to support government initiatives in applying the collaborative approach in the management of protected areas.

The specificobjectivesof the JOAS Project were:

1. To extend the CM approach used in CRNP to other communities within and near CRNP, and possibly to other types of protected areas in Sabah;

2. To establish a community-based biodiversity monitoring system in protected areas in Sabah;

3. To familiarise communities, NGOs and authorities (in protected areas in Sabah and other areas in Malaysia) with the concept and capability of engaging proactively in CM; and

4. To transfer experiences and/or documentation for the benefit of other protected areas in Malaysia.

Community mapping of native customary land at Kg. Mengkuwago, Sabah

Measuring pipe-laying distance for micro hydro system at Kg. Buayan, Sabah

19

KEyAChIEVEMENTS

Among the key achievements of the JOAS Project were:

1. Engagement Platform: Three-dimensional maps, which demarcate the community-used zone, were produced through the community participatory process for the four project sites. These maps provide a platform for engagement between the indigenous communities and relevant authorities with regard to land and resources rights of the communities, and also help in conflict resolution.

2. Reference Manual: A community-based biodiversity monitoring manual - combining traditional knowledge and modern technology – was developed. The communities were empowered to monitor the biodiversity status in their villages, and to take necessary steps to protect/conserve it.

3. Community Participation: Instead of engaging professionals, the documentation of lessons learnt and best practices in CM was done by the community; specifically, by young people after they were trained

on using video and camera. The documentation was disseminated and shared with other communities in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia through seminars and workshops.

4. micro hydro: The Kg. Buayan community received renewable electricity through a micro hydro system, and were motivated to effectively protect and manage their water catchment area.

Community briefing at Kg. Tiga, Tambunan

Training on biodiversity monitoring at Kg. Ulu Senagang, Keningau

Community Projects


Sustainable Development and Conservation Through the Community-Based Ecotourism Programme

BACKGROUNd

The Krokong area is made up of 13 villages of the Dayak Bidayuh indigenous group, and is located about an hour from Kuching, capital of Sarawak. Although much of the area’s natural resources had been depleted through logging and gold mining activities, there were about 25 sq. km. of secondary forest remaining in the area. Expansion of farmland and illegal logging posed threats to the remaining forests.

The Jagoi area, which neighbours Krokong, is made up of seven villages of the Dayak Bidayuh group. Unlike Krokong, the capacity for natural resource management and the potential for ecotourism in Jagoi was not as developed because only Krokong received funds from SGPPTF for the development of small community-managed nature-based tourism. Therefore, they needed to conduct surveys on their natural resources and tourism products.

Location

Executing CBO

Project Period

Krokong-JagoiArea,Bau,Sarawak

JawantankuasaKemajuandanKeselamatanKampung(JKKK)PusatKrokong

(KrokongCentralVillagedevelopmentandsecurity Committee)

February2008–december2009


21

OBJECTIVES

The development objective of this project was to assist local communities in managing and rehabilitating their natural environment, specifically its biodiversity, by providing alternate sustainable forms of income generation through community-based ecotourism.

The immediate objective of Project JKKK Pusat Krokong was to raise awareness on conservation and sustainable management of natural resources by means of alternative income generation through community-based ecotourism activities.

KEyAChIEVEMENTS

Among the key achievements of Project JKKK Pusat Krokong were:

1. environment management: Strength-ening of the relationship and cooperation among the communities in the 20 villages in Krokong and Jagoi in managing and conserving their natural environment. By working together, these communities have developed a CBET strategy for Krokong and Jagoi, and a management system for

Bung Jagoi. The CBET programme was further enhanced with conservation and reforestation activities, in addition to cultural activities, and a new potential tourist-attraction site (Budu Caves) was identified;

2. Forest Enrichment: Planting of more than 500 trees as part of the enrichment process of three of the community forests; and

3. Knowledgedocumentation: Successful documentation of the traditional Bidayuh ways of life and knowledge, particularly in alternative medicine and handicraft.

Traditional bridge built as part of tourism facility at community forest in Obut Koong, Krokong, Sarawak

Community Projects

Gotong-royong to clear bicycle trail at Kg. Ledan, Krokong, Sarawak


Catalysing Indigenous Community Initiatives on Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Sarawak

BACKGROUNd

The IPIMAS Project is a new phase (extension) of a CBNRM project which previously had support for 18 months from SGPPTF.

The indigenous peoples of Sarawak, collectively known as Dayak, live in longhouses or villages in remote regions of the state, and are mostly subsistence farmers, small-scale cash crop farmers and hunter gatherers. The forest and river ecosystems around their villages were not only important for biodiversity but also for raw materials (for handicraft making), building materials, food, fuel and medicine.

However, over the past few decades, forest destruction due to logging operations resulted in the depletion of wildlife, non-timber forest resources and traditional medicines, herbs and raw materials. Soil erosion from the cleared land caused heavy sedimentation that affected the river ecosystem. These threats had affected the indigenous people directly, especially the resulting loss of livelihood. Consequently, these threats were identified as contributors to incidences of poverty among rural indigenous communities (Ninth Malaysia Plan on rural poverty). Concern by the community led to the initiation of the CBNRM project (funded by SGPPTF) in the area.

Location

Executing CBO

Project Period

MudungAbunareasinBelaga,andKranganTekalongareasinSerian,Sarawak

InstitutPribumiMalaysiaSarawak(IPIMAS)

1February2009–31december2009


23

OBJECTIVES

This IPIMAS Project had three immediate objectivesas follows:

1. To enhance the capability of the indigenous communities to protect and conserve their biodiversity, and to manage their natural resources in a sustainable way;

2. To share information on indigenous traditional practices in resource management and biodiversity conservation through the production and dissemination of documents, such as leaflets, booklets, videos, etc.; and

3. To consolidate and strengthen the development of an alternate source of sustainable economic livelihood for the indigenous communities through traditional resource management and utilisation of biodiversity in order to reduce pressure on forests.

KEyAChIEVEMENTS

Among the key achievements of the IPIMAS Project were:

1. Biodiversity Enrichment: Communities in the Mudung Abun and Krangan Tekalong areas undertook forest and biodiversity-enrichment activities, and more than 5,000 indigenous trees were planted. Trees planted along the eroded riverbank of Dangang River in Mudung Abun helped to improve the stability of the river ecosystem and community water-catchment areas.

Tagging of traditional medicinal plants at Krangan Tekalong, Sarawak

Cleaning-up Dangang River as part of tagal activities in Kg. Mudung Abun, Sarawak


2. river Conservation: The community in Mudung Abun successfully set-up the tagal system (traditional resource management practice of fish and river conservation) for the Dangang River. More fish species were identified, and the fish population and ecosystem of Dangang River had significantly improved due to the tagal system. This achievement has led to another community initiative: building a micro hydro system to provide renewable electricity to the village.

3. alternative income: With an alternative source of income through the planting-harvesting of ginger, the communities have diversified and supplemented their income base, and reduced their dependence on the forest. In the first harvest, one of the communities successfully produced more than 300 kg of ginger, part of which were marketed, and the remainder kept as seedlings.

Community meeting and consultation at Kg. Mudung Abun

Maintaining indigenous trees at communal forest in Krangan Tekalong, Sarawak

25

Empowering the Temiar Orang Asli Communities for Natural Resource Management in the Nenggiri River Basin

BACKGROUNd

Situated in the district of Gua Musang in Kelantan, the Nenggiri River basin is composed of large areas of lowland tropical rainforest, limestone hills and forested mountains. The rich biodiversity of the river basin is important for conservation, and also to contribute to the livelihood of local communities.

The Nenggiri River (a major tributary of the Kelantan River) is particularly important as it is believed to be one of the few remaining sites where kelah (Malaysian mahseer) fish of more than 20 kilos could still be found. However, due to destructive and unsustainable fishing methods rapidly lowering the population, the kelah has been listed as ‘endangered’ under Malaysian law.

About 8,000 indigenous Temiar Orang Asli people live in 25 resettlement villages, and depend on natural resources, such as forest products and fish. As a result of the rapid expansion of the cash crop sector, the exploitation of natural resources and widespread logging, there is an urgent need to control and minimise the impact on the environment.

This project links and builds on an earlier project (2007-2008) on community-based protection of riverine resources, which was implemented by PSSN, and supported by the UNDP-Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme.

Location

Executing CBO

Project Period

GuaMusang,Kelantan

PersatuanSahabatSungaiNenggiri(PSSN)(withsupportfromGlobalEnvironmentCentre)

April2008–december2009



OBJECTIVES

The development objective of the PSSN Project was to support the active participation of the Temiar Orang Asli in the management of natural resources of the Nenggiri River basin in Kelantan.

The two immediateobjectives were:

1. To strengthen the community-based natural resource protection and sustainable utilization of these resources by Orang Asli communities.

2. To develop and promote alternative livelihood options for the Orang Asli communities, especially for the women’s groups.

KEyAChIEVEMENTS

Among the key achievements of the PSSN Project were:

1. state endorsement: The community’s efforts in protecting their river resources has been acknowledged by the Kelantan state government. The river patrolling activities by the Nenggiri River Rangers have been further enhanced with patrol boats supplied by the Kelantan Fisheries Department.

2. RiverbankImprovement:In their conservation efforts, the community has planted more than 5,000 seedlings in villages and river riparian areas to help improve the river bank. These seedlings were raised in the nurseries set-up by the communities in the villages.

3. alternative income: The plant nursery for indigenous trees has provided an alternative sustainable income for this marginalised group of Orang Asli. The women’s group was trained to improve the quality of their handicraft, and to market them.

Making Temiar handicraft at Pos Pulat, Kelantan

Indigenous plant nursery at Pos Pulat, Kelantan

27Projects

Biodiversity Conservation Involving the Semai Orang Asli of Ulu Geroh, Perak

BACKGROUNd

In 2004, SEMAI was formed under the Malaysia Nature Society (MNS) Rafflesia* Conservation Project. SEMAI’s role is to promote ecotourism and stewardship of the proposed Rafflesia and Rajah Brooke Birdwing Butterfly conservation site. From June 2004 to July 2007, a total of 1,537 tourists (averaging 40 visitors per month) visited the site, providing almost RM 47,000 to the community. The community had previously received support for 18 months from SGP PTF.

Threats to the biodiversity of Ulu Geroh were mainly from encroachment by the oil palm industry, which borders the village and its surrounding forests. Together with MNS, a proposal was sent to the Forestry Department to gazette the area for Rafflesia conservation. Todate, no update on the proposal’s status has been received.

If the area is converted to oil palm plantations, aside from the inevitable permanent loss of the Rafflesia sites, the Semai community would be affected by the drop in tourists, and also by the difficulty in getting herbs, medicine and raw materials (for handicraft making) from the shrinking forests, thereby weakening their cultural traditions.

* Rafflesia is a genus of parasitic flowering plants.

Location

Executing CBO

Project Period

Kg.UluGeroh,Gopeng,Perak

SahabatEko-PelancongandanMemuliharaAlamIndah(SEMAI)

May2008–december2009



OBJECTIVES

The development objective of the SEMAI Project was to strengthen the capacity of the Semai community of Ulu Geroh to manage and conserve the natural heritage of their area.

The immediateobjectives of the project were to create awareness of the rich natural heritage in the area, and to educate locals and visitors on the biodiversity and natural, partly-endangered resources of the area.

KEyAChIEVEMENTS

The SEMAI Project’s key achievements include the following:

1. Enhanced Biodiversity: With the establishment of the Butterfly Sanctuary, the rich biodiversity of Ulu Geroh has been enhanced. The local nature guides have reported that the population of the Rajah Brooke and other butterfly species has increased.

2. Gazettement Proposal: The community has taken serious steps in their effort to call for gazettement of the Rafflesia Conservation Area by conducting a detailed survey, and mapping natural resources. The proposal is being developed with the assistance of MNS and experts from the Forest Research Institute, and would be submitted to the Perak Forestry Department.

Community visit to organic farm in Bangi, Selangor

Traditional sawang dance at Kg. Ulu Geroh, Perak

29

3. CommunityEmpowerment:The Orang Asli community in Ulu Geroh has been empowered to protect and manage their natural resources. A strong sense of project ownership and competency was also demonstrated in the way the community mobilised media attention and public outcry against damage to the Rajah Brooke butterfly areas due to pipe-demolition work by an external contractor in December 2009.

4. Project Management Capacity: In undertaking this project, the first to be managed on their own, SEMAI has acquired the capacity for project management, i.e., they have become confident, and more skilful and knowledgeable. This confidence has enabled them to network and seek support from relevant authorities, corporate and funding agencies for further funding. Subsequent to this project, they secured and managed two projects on their own: the Shell Sustainable Grant and e-SEMAI Projects.

Tree planting at official opening of CBNRM project in Kg. Ulu Geroh, Perak

Rajah Brooke Birdwing butterfly

Community Projects


Empowering the Semai Community in Biodiversity Protection Through Watershed Conservation at their Ancestral Land in Kampung Chang Sungai Gepai, Perak

BACKGROUNd

The SPNSC Project was to cater to the Orang Asli of Semai ethnicity. There were 130 families living in this village, with a population of about 600. This area was previously a site for the watershed management and waterfall area management projects funded by SGP PTF. The community had been struggling to maintain the forest as their watershed to supply fresh water for daily use. However, the development of the area threatened the conservation of this important forest area. The watersheds were also the source of important NTFP, such as herbs, raw materials (for craft making) and other indigenous products.

Location

Executing CBO

Project Period

KampungChangSungaiGepai,Bidor,Perak

sPns Communication (sPnsC)

Sinui Pai Nanek Sengik

1May2008–31december2009

OBJECTIVES

The developmentobjectives of the project were to strengthen and facilitate the community’s capacity in watershed conservation, and to promote biodiversity protection.


31

Meeting of women’s committee at Kg. Chang, Perak

Community meeting and consultation on CBNRM Project at Kg. Chang, Perak

Community Projects

The immediateobjective of the project was to support community initiatives in planning and implementing activities that help to improve their natural resources and maintain their indigenous knowledge.

KEyAChIEVEMENTS

Among the key achievements of the SPNSC Project were the following:

1. Land Protocol: Successful development of community-used zones and protocol for the protection of their ancestral land; and

2. Knowledge documentation: Develop-ment of a pre-school curriculum, which was applied at three pre-schools, that incorporates the Orang Asli’s traditional knowledge on natural resources and biodiversity conservation.


Part 3Lessons Learntin Community-Based natural resource management in malaysia

33Lessons Learnt 33

The lessons learnt from these eight projects are categorised under nine themes related to areas in co-management, sustainable use and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity. The themes are:

1. Involvingandengagingcommunity2. Workingwithgovernmentagencies3. Gender-relatedconcerns4. Replantingandreforestation5. Traditionalknowledgeandpractices6. TimingandTimeliness7. Alternativelivelihoods8. Exposuretripsandexchangevisits9. Projectcoordinationandmanagement.

invoLving and engaging Community

The involvement and engagement of a community could be a lengthy and complex process. Traditionally, the spirit of working together on a voluntary basis for the common good among communities is demonstrated through activities, such as gotong-royong (cooperation towards a shared goal). This spirit could be instilled in CBNRM projects if the right approaches are taken to engage and empower the communities.

Under this theme, the following were among the lessons learnt from the CBNRM projects in relation to community participation and involvement in a project:

1 Consultation and endorsement: It is important for participating communities to fully understand the aims and benefits of their project, and also for them to be committed to achieving project objectives. Hence, prior and continuous consultation with, and endorsement from, the community on the project is crucial to ensure their full participation.

Preserving the Lifeline: Lessons Learnt in Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Malaysia


2 Project Understanding: The level of community awareness on the importance of managing natural resources and biodiversity conservation among the community has to be raised. They would be motivated to participate if they realise that sustainable management would improve their standard of living. Understanding the causes of existing environmental problems, such as pollution and depletion of resources, would allow communities to appreciate the importance of the project in addressing these issues, and eventually, they would give their support.

3 CapacityTraining:Community members would want to be involved if the project could enhance their skills, and bring about personal development and improvement. Hence, it is important that continuous capacity-building programmes are incorporated into the project. By providing capacity building and training in project management and administrative skills, the community would be empowered to manage the project on their own.

4 CommunitySupport:Leadership in the community plays an important part because a good leader can command respect, and the community would listen and follow the leader’s instruction or bidding. Hence, it is important that a leader who has the full confidence and support of the community is involved in the project.

Youths actively involved in making 3-dimensional map in Upper Moyog area, Sabah

35Lessons Learnt

5 income incentive: Community participation in a project could be increased by starting project activities which are based on the existing expertise in the village; e.g., handicraft making, revitalising traditional medicine, etc. In this way, the community would be interested and keen to be involved as it would be an incentive for them to improve their income.

6 ImplementationCommittee:Level of community participation would be enhanced by forming a project implementation committee, which would fully understand project objectives. This committee should consist of those who are committed to sustainable management of natural resources.

7 Compensation: Some form of compensation should be given to community members who are willing to sacrifice their productive time to carry out project activities. In the case of projects in Sabah, travel expenses were paid, and food and refreshments were provided during project activities.

Women planting medicinal plants at their herbal garden in Kg. Mudung Abun, Sarawak

Celebrating World’s Indigenous People Day at Kg. Chang, Perak

Gotong-royong to repair gravity pipes at Kg. Tinangol, Sabah

Community meeting at night to discuss micro hydro project in Kg. Buayan, Sabah


WORKINGWIThThEGOVERNMENTAGENCIES

Project activities provide opportunities for communities to increase interaction and consultation with government agencies. When the relationship between the community and government agencies is strengthened, discussion and negotiation become easier. Through these CBNRM projects, there has been a change in the government’s perception of the community’s capability and capacity to manage natural resources. As a result, the government has become more supportive.

The lessons learnt under this theme are as follows:

1 government recognition: Support and recognition from the government and relevant government agencies for CBNRM initiatives is important to the community as it encourages and motivates them to implement the project.

2 GovernmentCooperation:In order to strengthen cooperation and build a good relationship with government agencies, the community should: • Organise a programme or activity that could be implemented together

with relevant government agencies; and

Sarawak Minister of Environment and Public Health, Datuk Micheal Manyin releasing fish fries into the river during the launching of Krokong Project in Krokong, Sarawak

Kg. Mengkuwago community and government agencies discuss community-use zones

Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok launching micro hydro system in Kg. Buayan, Sabah

PACOS Project Steering Committee meeting at the Penampang District Office, Sabah

37

Older women sharing experiences at Gender Workshop in Upper Papar area, Sabah

Handicraft training at Dbalai Kg. Bogag, Jagoi, Sarawak

Participating in Gender Awareness Workshop at Kg. Togudon, Sabah

Women playing important role in CBNRM decision-making process in Kg. Buayan, Sabah

Lessons Learnt

• Include government agencies in their meetings; e.g., they could be invited to participate in the project steering committee; periodic updates could be given to them; and copies of project reports could be extended to them.

gender reLated ConCerns

In a traditional community, the role of men and women in natural resources management and biodiversity conservation complement each other – their involvement depends on the type of work and activity, and on their capacity. The difference in their involvement could be seen from the division of work: men’s groups are more inclined to take up roles that requires more physical energy, and vice versa for the women’s groups.

Issues related to natural resource management and biodiversity conservation should be considered from various viewpoints, including the sharing roles of men and women, environmental protection for village harmony, and household needs.


The following are the lessons learnt from these CBNRM projects on gender-related concerns:

1 gender roles: To ensure dual involvement, both men and women must be given roles in natural resource management. Their roles must be clearly defined and understood by the community.

2 Continuoussupport,such as capacity-building opportunities, should be given to men and women in performing their roles.

rePLanting and reforestation

In replanting and reforestation, the survival of seedlings depends very much on the timing of planting. The following are the lessons learnt in replanting and reforestation activities:

Seedling Selection1 Seedlings should be selected from tree species that are commonly

found in the area, and which flower abundantly in a particular season.

Indigenous plant nursery at Krangan Tekalong, Sarawak

Seed planting at plant nursery in Kg. Mudung Abun, Sarawak

Weed removal at reforested area in Krangan Tekalong, Sarawak

Enrichment planting as part of watershed management at Kg. Tinangol, Sabah

39Lessons Learnt

For quality seedlings, consideration should be given to the condition of the parent tree, and the collected seeds, which should be fresh and new (not damaged), and free from disease and pest attacks.

Seedling Cultivation2 In order to ensure a high germination rate, seedlings should be planted in

a nursery.

3 Germinated seedlings should be cultivated in the nursery for at least six months before they are transplanted to the field.

4 Due to harsh weather conditions, the number of seedlings collected and planted in the nursery should be at least 10 to 20 percent more than the targeted number.

After Care 5 Follow-up care, such as replacement of dead trees and removal of weeds,

needs to be carried out every three months after planting.

TRAdITIONALKNOWLEdGEANdPRACTICES

There is a vital link between traditional indigenous knowledge and practices, and natural resource management. These practices help to raise awareness on the importance of sustainable management of natural resources towards sustaining the lives of local communities. Moreover, it could be used as a tool and approach to promote community involvement and participation. Traditional practices are usually implemented based on mutual decision, and through gotong-royong.

The following are the lessons learnt from the CBNRM projects on traditional practices:

1 Combined Approach: Traditional practices could be combined with modern knowledge and technology for better results; e.g., in monitoring biodiversity.

2 site assessment: Suitable sites should be identified for planting traditional plants and herbs because some of these plants are fragile, and too much sunlight would kill them.


Kenyah traditional knowledge on medicinal plants preserved at herbal garden in Kg. Mudung Abun, Sarawak

Traditional medicine garden in Krangan Tekalong, Sarawak

Showcasing Semai culture and traditional games at World’s Indigenous People Day celebration at Ulu Geroh, Perak

Community Learning Centre for tagal system at Kg. Babagon, Sabah

3 Community Practices: Traditional knowledge in the community could be identified through traditional practices, such as the gompi guno (use and protect) concept.

4 area Zoning: Through traditional practices, area zoning could be applied according to the land-use protocol; e.g., conservation and cultivation of long-term and short-term crops.

In documenting local indigenous knowledge, two CBNRM projects developed a pre-school education curriculum, which incorporates local indigenous knowledge in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. The following were the lessons learnt:

5 Pilot: In order to pilot test the curriculum, it is advisable to apply it in one or two education centres.

6 Experience:Teachers who are involved should be experienced in teaching and learning strategies, and should be given sufficient training.

41Lessons Learnt

Padi planting and harvesting take priority over project activity

Handicraft training at Pos Pulat, Kelantan, held at night to suit community’s schedule

7 Language: The curriculum would be easier to learn if it is delivered in the local or indigenous language; it would be even better if it could be closely related to the life, culture and identity of the indigenous people.

timing and timeLiness

The success of a community-based project depends on the timing of project activities, especially those that involve the community. Timing of implementation of project activities is crucial as the community has other priorities, such as earning a living, and spending time with the family. In several CBNRM projects, planned project activities were postponed because they coincided with community activities.

In relation to avoiding overlapping and coincident timing of project and community activity, the following are among the lessons learnt:

1 Community activities: Timing of project activities should take into consideration community activities, such as planting and harvesting of rice.

2 Weather: An important factor that affects project implementation is the weather, which has to be taken into consideration in the project implementation timeline.

3 Activity Scheduling: Community participation could be increased by implementing some project activities (such as community meetings, workshops and field activities) during weekends, at night or during holidays.


aLternative LiveLihoods

A fair and equal distribution of wealth could be difficult to achieve during project implementation due to various levels of volunteerism, interest, diligence and work etiquette among persons or groups in a community. Capability, knowledge, experience and (sometimes) gender could also pose obstacles/hindrances to fair and equal treatment of community members.

To ensure a fair and equal distribution of income in a community:

1 full involvement: There should not be any favouritism shown in project implementation. Instead, the emphasis should be on appreciating the involvement of all in the project;

2 Community fund: For the benefit of community members, a community fund could be set-up, and the profits shared; and

3 fund management: The committee or persons identified to manage the funds should be committed, and have the experience to manage such funds. Information and statements of accounts need to be regularly shared with community members.

Reaping first harvest of ginger at Krangan Tekalong, Sarawak

Community preparing organic fertiliser at Kg. Babagon Laut, Sabah

Improved quality of Temiar handicraft at Pos Pulat, Kelantan

Traditional mat weaving as an alternative livelihood for women of the Semai community in Ulu Geroh, Perak

43Lessons Learnt

SEMAI exposure visit to learn organic farming in Bangi, Selangor

Learning from Semai community about traditional medicinal plants at herbal garden in Ulu Geroh, Perak

Community learns to make organic fertiliser and pesticide at Kg. Kalanggaan, Sabah

Communities from Upper Moyog area, Sabah, learn waste composting during exposure visit to Penang

exPosure triPs and exChange visits

One of the key common activities featured in all these eight CBNRM projects is exposure trips and exchange visits to learn from other projects or sites. These visits were carried out during the early stages of the projects, and were participated by key community members, including community leaders, project team members and active community members.

The following were the lessons learnt:

1 Learning Reference: Exposure trips are important because they give inspiration and motivation to the community to implement planned activities in their village. For example, Kg. Babagon in Penampang, Sabah, has become the community learning centre for other projects which intend to implement the tagal system in their villages. Visiting communities would be able to see the successful implementation of this system, and gain confidence and inspiration to do better.

2 CulturalAppreciation:Such exposure trips would also enable learning visitors to recognize and appreciate the uniqueness and value of their own culture and traditions. These visitors would then be able to draw from their own cultural traditions for the benefit of the community.


PROJECTCOORdINATIONANdMANAGEMENT

To achieve its goal, a project must be coordinated and managed. Project management includes managing staff and volunteers as valuable resource to carry out project activities.

Under this theme, the following are lessons learnt from the projects:

1 Report Compilation: Since some of the projects involved many villages which were distributed over a vast area, the main challenge was the compilation of reports from field staff and village implementing committees. To overcome this problem, regular meetings (e.g., every three months) could also be held for field coordinators to collect information verbally from villagers, and document such feedback into field (narrative) and financial reports;

2 Reporting System: Another challenge was the low quality of documentation and reports due to illiteracy or lack of documentation skills. To overcome this problem, the project found that oral interviews and a simple reporting system were more effective;

3 OrganizationalCapacity:The various levels of organizational capacity of IPOs posed a challenge to the progress of project implementation. In undertaking a community project, the organizational capacity of the community needs to be ascertained before project intervention. During project implementation, the IPO might be strengthened through various activities; e.g., key members of the organization or the project leader must have sufficient experience in project management and implementation. A start-up activity (a week before implementation) that includes training

Former Denmark ambassador, Borge Peterson, planting a tree during project launch at Krokong, Sarawak

Community consultation session at Kg. Notorus, Sabah

45Lessons Learnt

in project management, monitoring and reporting should be conducted for the management team and relevant community leaders.

4 FinancialReporting:The community should be given an opportunity to request for a cash advance for their planned activities, and it must be made mandatory that financial reporting of funds is done by the project implementing committee.

Communities from Upper Moyog and Upper Papar areas in Sabah met every 3 months for sharing session on PACOS Project

VIPs attending project launch and 4th anniversary of SEMAI at Ulu Geroh, Perak


aPPendiCes

CBo

1.InstitutPribumimalaysia Sarawak(iPimas)

2.JaringanOrangasal semalaysia (JOAS)

3.JKKKPusatKrokong

4.PACOSTrust

5.PersatuanSahabatSungainenggiri

6.SEMAI

7.SPNSCommunication

8.TONIBUNG

Contact Person

Mariam Dom

Galus Ahtoi

Michael Saweng Patau Rubis

Anne B. Lasimbang

Seli bin Anjang

Sani a/l Sari

Rizuan Tempek

Philip Chin

CONTACTdETAILSOFExECUTINGCBOSINCBNRMPROJECTS

address

Lot 749, Ocean ParkJalan Lautan 2A98000 Miri, SarawakTel.: 085-635749Fax: 085-428599email: [email protected]. O. Box 51189507 Penampang, SabahTel: 088-712518Fax: 088-718669email: [email protected] [email protected] KrokongKrokong, 94000 Bau, SarawakFax: 082-248763Email: [email protected] [email protected]. O. Box 511 89507 Penampang, Sabah Tel: 088-712518Fax: 088-718669email: [email protected] 452 Jalan Kenanga Taman Wangi 18300 Gua Musang, KelantanTel: 09–9124427 Kg. Ulu Geroh31600 Gopeng, Perak email: [email protected] Jalan 3 Taman Batang PadangJalan Bruseh35500 Bidor, PerakTel: 05-434 8160email: [email protected] NampasanW.D.T. 13 89507 Penampang, Sabah Tel: 088-712518Fax: 088-718669email: [email protected]

aPPendix 1


47

AbouttheCBNRMFacilityFrom January 2008 to December 2009, the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Facility supported eight local initiatives in Malaysia. The project grantees were 8 community-based organizations: 3 in Peninsular Malaysia, 2 in Sarawak, and 3 in Sabah, and the beneficiaries were 93 villages in the eight project sites.

The Facility, which was part of the Biodiversity Component of the Malaysian-Danish Environmental Cooperation Programme, was funded (about RM 3 million) by the Danish International Development Assistance (DANIDA). The Facility was administered by MENGO, the coalition of Malaysian Environmental NGOs.

The Facility aimed to enhance the capacity of Malaysian NGOs and CBOs to influence sustainable development policies and practices related to natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, including the recognition of the importance of indigenous peoples and gender equity.

ObjectivesThe objective of the CBNRM Facility was to provide grants in support of field-based initiatives/projects in relation to community-based management that address a combination of three themes: biodiversity/natural resources, indigenous peoples and gender.

SpecificObjectives1. To support initiatives that promote and demonstrate community-based management

and sustainable use of natural resources;2. To support alternative and sustainable livelihood initiatives which have elements of

enterprise and development of entrepreneurial skills, and which gradually reduce the degree of dependence on natural resources;

3. To support the documentation of best practices in sustainable natural resource management and preservation of local community and/or indigenous knowledge; and

4. To support activities that will lead to policy recommendation/formulation based on successful community-level strategies and innovations in implementing natural resources projects.

KeyFeatures• Civil society organizations were the key partners in implementing CBNRM-related

projects.• Biodiversity Component Steering Committee (under the Malaysian-Danish

Environmental Cooperation Programme) approved the projects, while the Facility Management Group provided directions and monitored the projects.

Appendices 47

aPPendix 2


• Projects focussed on biodiversity and natural resource management, with cross-cutting themes on gender and indigenous peoples.

• Projects were continuation of previous projects supported by either the EC-UNDP Small Grants Programme for Operations to Promote Tropical Forests, or the UNDP Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme.

KeyCommonAreas• Protection and conservation of biodiversity; • Sustainable management of natural resources; • Development of sustainable alternative livelihoods for the local communities who

are very dependent on the forest as source of income;• Revitalisation and documentation of best practices and indigenous knowledge on

natural resources management; • Empowerment and capacity building of the local indigenous communities,

in particular the women, in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.


about mengoA grouping of Malaysian Environmental NGOs, called MENGO, was formed under a programme for environmental assistance to Malaysia. The programme was supported by the Danish International Development Assitance (DANIDA), and the MENGO coalition was formed in November 2001.

The objective of the programme is to strengthen Malaysian environmental NGOs, and facilitate their impact on decision making at all levels in Malaysian society. One of the main strategic aims of the programme is to support and facilitate a more effective interaction between MENGO and the Government of Malaysia on environmental policies.

MembersofMENGO1. Borneo Resources Institute Malaysia (BRIMAS) 2. Centre for Environmental Technologies (CETEC) 3. Centre for Environment, Technology & Development, Malaysia (CETDEM) 4. Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) 5. Environmental Management and Research Association of Malaysia (ENSEARCH) 6. Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM) 7. Global Environmental Centre (GEC) 8. Malaysian Karst Society9. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) 10. Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS) 11. Partners of Community Organisations Sabah (PACOS) 12. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)13. Socio-Economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI) 14. Sustainable Development Network Malaysia (SUSDEN) 15. Third World Network (TWN) 16. TRAFFIC (Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network) Southeast Asia17. Treat Every Environment Special Sdn Bhd (TrEES) 18. Water Watch Penang (WWP) 19. Wetlands International – Malaysia20. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Malaysia

Appendices 49

aPPendix 3


ACKNOWLEdGEMENTS

Members of the CBNRM Facility Management Group, especially Adrian Lasimbang, Dr. Colin Nicholas, Dr. Sundari Ramakrishna, Lily Hor, Christian Schriver, and Raymond Abin, who contributed ideas, guidance and support in the development and production of this book.

CBNRM project grantees who wrote and contributed the lessons learnt from their respective projects. Special thanks to them for sharing their photographs.

CBOs and local communities (involved in the projects) who were generous in sharing their institutional knowledge for the benefit of all who are involved in CBNRM.

DANIDA and the Embassy of Denmark in Malaysia for their kind financial assistance in funding the eight CBNRM projects, and in publishing this book.

Lee Kian Foh and Jeevarayan Narayan Rao for helping to put together this book by sharing their ideas and giving constructive comments.

CBNRM Coordinator, Adelaine Tan, who coordinated the work of producing this book from inception to completion.


Preserving the Lifeline isashowcaseofeightcommunity-based projects that are related to co-management,sustainableuseandconservationofnaturalresourcesandbiological diversity, with cross-cutting themes on genderandindigenouspeoples.Theseeightprojects,whichwereimplemented by community-based organisations, weredistributed across the country: three in Sabah, two inSarawak,twoinPerakandoneinKelantan.

Specifically,Preserving the Lifelinecapturesthelessonslearnt from these community-based projects. These on-the-groundexperiencesare compiledundernine themes,includingcommunityengagement,gender-relatedconcerns,working with government agencies, and traditionalpractices.MENGOhopesthattheexperiencesdocumentedin Preserving the Lifeline would be a valuable resource,especiallytothose intendingto initiatecommunity-basedprojects. Project implementers would also benefit fromthese lessons learnt in community-basednatural resourcemanagement.

ISBN 978-983-44338-4-0

9 433840789834

Lessons Learnt in Community-Based naturaL resourCe managementin maLaysia

Preserving the Lifeline: Lessons Learnt in Community-Based naturaL resourCe managementin maLaysia


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