Community Forest Through Asset Based Community Development

Abstract

Sedimentation caused by degradation and deforestation is a major environmental problem around Citarum river, one of the river in Indonesia. Environmental preservation by initiating community forests is the best solution to overcome this problem. Empowerment is not just to stop environmental damage but must pay attention to efforts to conserve the environment in sustainable development in ecological, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. Empowerment is directed at increasing community independence which leads to a willingness to develop awareness, knowledge and skills for welfare. Community forest is a community empowerment program based on economy and environmental conservation implemented by the Bening Sanguling Foundation. The purpose of this research was to analyse the assets and the proses of community empowerment. The research method used is qualitative using a case study approach. Data were collected through observation and interview technique. The informants consisted of two program managers and three program participants. Data obtained then analysed by procedures of data collecting, data reducing, data display, and conclusion. The result of this research indicated that community forests emphasize the importance of ecological conservation without leaving the socio-economic interests of local communities. This program is implemented through three efforts, namely enabling, empowering and protecting. the assets utilized are human, social, physical, financial, and environmental assets. The conclusion obtained from this study was that empowerment process could create an independent community in looking for family livelihood and prosperity.

Empowering Communities through Enhancing Environmental Awareness: A Case Study of Cikelat Village, Sukabumi, West Java in Community Service Activities

“…The community service activities conducted in Cikelat Village, Sukabumi, West Java offer a compelling showcase of the efficacy of community empowerment programs in advancing environmental awareness and nurturing conservation efforts (Ramadani et al, 2021).…”

“…Orchestrated by the Bening Sanguling Foundation, the community forest program in the village demonstrated a dual focus on economic augmentation and environmental preservation (Ramadani et al, 2021). Anchored in the principles of asset-based community development, the program embraced the task of analyzing community assets and processes, accentuating the significance of bolstering self-sufficiency and fostering awareness, knowledge, and skill development (Ramadani et al, 2021).…”