Ambon (Antara Maluku) - The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) based in Bogor, West Java, is conducting research on strengthening the security of customary or tenurial rights of the indigenous people in Western Seram district, Maluku province.
The research aims to strengthen the security of tenurial rights of the people whose existence depend on the customary forest in Maluku, a research fellow of CIFOR Mani Ram Banjade stated here on Monday.
"We want to see how well the administrations (at different levels) in Maluku have reformed the usage of customary forest lands. We want to encourage the reform of the forestry sector in Maluku, so it will go well," Mani emphasized.
According to him, a pilot project regarding legal research in Maluku`s Western Seram district was chosen based on an earlier brief study, which was carried out in the area.
The study reveals that the reform of tenurial rights has not been implemented properly in the district.
"The results of this brief study show that there are 11 district or city administrations in Maluku that have not properly reformed land usage through the customary law," Mani stated.
CIFOR wants to encourage the indigenous people and local administration to adopt the tenure system, which has worked well in other areas, to be implemented in Maluku.
"For instance, the tenure system implemented by the Lampung provincial administration has been going well," Mani pointed out.
He hoped that the tenure system adopted in other areas can be applied in Maluku and improve the quality of life and welfare of the indigenous people.
CIFOR was established in 1993, with a mission to make science as a basis for important decision-making processes regarding the effects of tropical forest management pattern and the communities that depend on forests around the world.
CIFOR Indonesia is located in Bogor, West Java. Currently, it is supported by 130 staff members, including 60 international researchers.
CIFOR uses a multi-disciplinary approach while conducting scientific research and forest management. The researchers are experts in the fields of economics, anthropology, social science, and genetics as well as forest ecology, silviculture (the practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values), and data processing.
The annual funds collected by CIFOR have risen to US$11 million and its research activities are spread across 36 countries.
CIFOR is a global non-profit institution that promotes the welfare of mankind, preservation, and environmental justice.
CIFOR conducts research that allows decision-making to be based on true and fair information regarding the use and management of forests in developing countries.
This international research institution is part of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which has branch offices located in several countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.
CIFOR in Indonesia has built a partnership with the Ministry of Forestry. The forestry management programs between the two parties have improved the quality of research and human resources.
CIFOR Reviews Customary Laws In West Seram, Maluku
Senin, 25 Agustus 2014 17:03 WIB