Empowering local communities and providing incentives are critical for the long-term success of forest landscape restoration (FLR) in Southeast Asia, experts say. At the “First Workshop on the Development of ASEAN Leaders Declaration on One Billion Trees Growing Program and Its Implementation Plan” in Bali, Indonesia, ITTO Projects Manager Tetra Yanuariadi emphasised that FLR goes beyond tree planting. It is about regaining ecological integrity while enhancing human wellbeing in degraded forest landscapes.
FLR operates on clear principles. Strong stakeholder engagement, careful planning adapted to local circumstances, and long-term monitoring are essential. The approach recognises that sustainable forest management requires active community involvement. Projects that integrate local knowledge and cultural practices are far more likely to succeed.
ITTO’s Extensive Experience Highlights FLR Potential
Through more than 1,200 projects valued at approximately USD 430 million, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) has developed extensive experience in tropical forest restoration. Its technical resources, including the Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration in the Tropics published in 2020, provide practical frameworks for implementing successful interventions. These guidelines emphasise that FLR can reduce forest loss, mitigate climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance biodiversity.
Yanuariadi pointed out that restoration opportunities are concentrated in degraded forests, secondary growth areas, and old-growth forest lands. By targeting these zones, nations can meet both national and international environmental targets. Integrating sustainable livelihoods, such as agroforestry and compensation schemes for ecosystem restoration, motivates local populations to participate actively in FLR programmes.
Long-Term Capacity Building Essential for Success
Sustainable FLR requires time. Projects often extend well beyond typical three-year cycles to build capacity among stakeholders, including women and youth. Communities must see tangible benefits from their involvement, which frequently appear years after initial restoration work. Yanuariadi stressed that local empowerment ensures long-lasting engagement and promotes equitable distribution of benefits.
Workshops and training programmes are fundamental in equipping communities with skills in planting, monitoring, and managing forests sustainably. These programmes also foster leadership, increase environmental awareness, and encourage community ownership of projects.
Policy Recommendations for Inclusive and Effective FLR
Experts highlighted several avenues for policy improvement. Inclusive approaches that involve non-state actors, consideration of socio-ecological trade-offs, and integration of FLR principles across all forest-related policies are key. Expanding capacity building and ensuring equity in project design are equally important. These measures not only enhance ecological outcomes but also strengthen the social and economic resilience of communities.
One Billion Trees Initiative Gains Regional Support
The One Billion Trees initiative, endorsed at the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting in October 2025, represents a significant commitment to forest conservation, climate action, and community empowerment. Member States have been encouraged to develop national action plans aligned with regional targets. Monitoring and reporting systems are being strengthened to track progress effectively.
The initiative exemplifies how cross-border cooperation, sustainable forest management, and community incentives can work together to address environmental challenges while generating socio-economic benefits. By linking policy, technical expertise, and local participation, Southeast Asia aims to set a global example for large-scale, community-driven FLR.
Sustainability Meets Community Empowerment
Forest landscape restoration in Southeast Asia illustrates the vital connection between ecological health and human well-being. Projects that prioritise community empowerment, provide tangible incentives, and integrate FLR principles into policy frameworks demonstrate higher success rates. With initiatives like the One Billion Trees programme, the region is poised to achieve sustainable, long-term restoration outcomes, benefiting both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
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