Multi-Stakeholder Contribution in Forest Management in the Gularaya Forest Management Unit (KPHP Gularaya), Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Community forests are managed by communities using a variety of assets that are influenced by various factors, one of which is stakeholders. This factor influences community forest management, forest conservation, and people's livelihoods. This research aims to examine the multi-stakeholder contribution to community capital support of forest utilization in the Forest Management Unit, Gularaya, Mata Wolasi Village, Wolasi Area, South Konawe. Data collection was carried out with observations and interviews of informants. Informants in this study were chosen with the intention (purpose) to represent each party involved and have extensive knowledge of the collaboration program's inception. The informants in this study were selected using the snowball technique and included the Gularaya Forest Management Unit, Coastal and Inland Community Development, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience-United States Agency for International Development and the village government. For data analysis, qualitative analysis was used with a mixed-methods approach adopted to generate a holistic understanding of the sustainability of the role of stakeholders against forest utilization in the Gularaya. The findings revealed that human and social capital were dominant in initiating collaboration for forest utilization in the Gularaya Forest Management Unit. It included a collaboration program, group discussions, mentoring, forming community institutions, and approving forest use. Resources that support the program's implementation must be maintained sustainably, including natural, human, financial, and social capital. The mutual trust among the stakeholders must be built with good communication in conveying their ideas and suggestion for improvement of Gularaya forest management.