Approaches to determine “what really matters to communities living in tropical forest landscapes”

Working with a range of partners, CIFOR has developed methods for assessing 'what really matters' to communities living in tropical forest landscapes. Known as ‘MLA' (Multidisciplinary Landscape Assessment), this approach enhances the understanding between development practitioners, policy makers and forest communities. The intended result is more informed decisions on policy, land use, and payments for biodiversity services, that will improve forest conservation, protect the needs of local people and advance the wiser management of tropical forests.

The initial survey was in Kalimantan, Indonesia (2000), but since then CIFOR and its partners have carried out surveys that use and adapt an MLA approach in all continents. Dots on the map in the left margin provide access to each site.

We are pleased to have received requests from several organizations to help them implement 'MLA type approaches' in their own projects. Conservation International asked us to train their staff and some stakeholders in applying the methods in Mamberamo, West-Papua. Tropenbos International-Indonesia invited MLA team members to take part in the Gunung Lumut Biodiversity survey in East Kalimantan. A European Union funded research project in Uttranchal, India, wanted to use an MLA approach and invited one of us to train the research team.