Partnership between communities and acacia pulp plantation in South Sumatra

Methods

Following the LPF action research method, the activities at MHP site was arranged through three phases i.e. initiation, intervention and monitoring. The ‘initiation’ phase established communication between researchers and stakeholders through a field visit, stakeholders’ identification and consultation. A baseline survey was conducted to understand the biophysical, social and livelihood issues of local communities. Communication and survey identified stakeholders and the gaps and problems they face. They then drew up a rough plan to resolve the problems.

The ‘intervention’ phase prioritized and executed the planning in a participatory way towards fair partnership between community and company. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to establish communication and public discourse among various stakeholders and to define shared values and common ground for a better partnership. Following public discourse, we facilitated institutionalisation of this space for negotiation.

A set of local indicators was used in the ‘monitoring’ phase of the implementation of action research development. These indicators were guided by the principles of empowerment, environmental mediation and reinforcement. An exit strategy was put in place to ensure the sustainability of the action after the end of the LPF project.