Journal of Selvicoltura Asean

TROPICAL URBAN FORESTS AS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR URBAN RESILIENCE

Sahrani Somadayo, Mariam Coulibaly, Tomo Zupan — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

As urban areas continue to expand, the challenges posed by climate change—such as flooding, heat islands, and pollution—demand innovative solutions for enhancing urban resilience. Tropical urban forests, as a form of green infrastructure, offer significant benefits in mitigating these issues while improving the quality of life for urban residents. This study explores the role of tropical urban forests in strengthening urban resilience, focusing on their ecological, social, and economic contributions. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining environmental data collection (air quality, temperature regulation, stormwater management) with surveys and interviews from urban planners, policymakers, and residents. Findings reveal that tropical urban forests help reduce air pollution by up to 12%, lower surrounding temperatures by 2.5°C, and absorb up to 30% of rainfall, significantly mitigating urban flooding. Socially, residents near urban forests reported improved mental health, increased physical activity, and stronger community bonds. This study concludes that tropical urban forests are vital in enhancing urban resilience by providing essential ecosystem services and promoting social well-being. Integrating these green spaces into urban planning policies is crucial for creating sustainable and resilient cities.

INDIGENOUS ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN TRADITIONAL SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES OF INDONESIAN COMMUNITIES

Pande Wayan Renawati, Sharon Williams, Nia Latu — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) has long been integral to the traditional silvicultural practices of Indonesian communities. This knowledge, passed down through generations, plays a vital role in the sustainable management of forest resources. Despite its significance, the role of IEK in contemporary forest management practices remains underexplored in academic literature. This research aims to investigate the ways in which traditional silvicultural knowledge is applied in forest management by indigenous communities in Indonesia. The primary objective of this study is to examine the components and practices of traditional silviculture, focusing on how indigenous communities incorporate ecological knowledge into forest conservation and resource management. This research adopts a qualitative approach, using ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and participant observation with indigenous forest communities in Indonesia. The study also involves the collection of relevant secondary data from local authorities and environmental organizations. The study finds that indigenous silvicultural practices are deeply rooted in ecological knowledge that promotes biodiversity conservation, enhances soil fertility, and ensures forest sustainability. These practices include selective logging, agroforestry systems, and forest regeneration methods that align with ecological principles. The integration of indigenous ecological knowledge into modern forest management practices is crucial for enhancing sustainability and addressing contemporary environmental challenges in Indonesia. The study calls for greater recognition and incorporation of these traditional practices in policy and management frameworks.

THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF THE FOREST: THE RISE OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS (NTFPS) AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON NATURAL COMMODITIES

Khalid Mahmud, Adam Idris, Nadiah Ismail — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The global push toward a Circular Economy (CE) demands leveraging regenerative resources, making Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) critical assets for a sustainable bio-economy. This study addresses the profound structural inefficiency within current NTFP value chains, which operate on a linear model, resulting in significant material waste and limiting local economic value. The core research objective was to rigorously assess material efficiency and identify the governance barriers preventing the transition to zero-waste systems, thereby developing a prescriptive NTFP-Circular Economy (NTFP-CE) Model. The methodology employed a comparative process mapping design, integrating Mass Balance Analysis across twelve diverse processing units with qualitative interviews focused on institutional failure and technology adoption. Findings demonstrate a critically low average Conversion Efficiency Rate (CER) of 61%, revealing that 39% of raw forest biomass is discarded as unused residue. This inefficiency is not primarily technological, but fundamentally institutional, driven by the absence of formal Residue Governance Standards and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection. These institutional failures collectively block the necessary industrial investment in zero-waste bio-refinery systems. The study concludes that the NTFP-CE Model provides the essential, evidence-based framework for policy intervention, arguing that standardized residue management and policy-driven risk-sharing are vital to transform discarded residues into high-value industrial feedstocks, ensuring sustainable and equitable forest bio-economy development.

THE ROLE OF URBAN GREEN SPACES IN CLIMATE ADAPTATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN TROPICAL CITIES

Ahmed Mohamed, Fatima Ibrahim, Amina Said — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Rapid urbanization in Southeast Asian tropical cities has intensified vulnerability to climate-related hazards, including urban heat islands, flooding, and reduced air quality. Limited green infrastructure exacerbates these challenges, while urban green spaces such as parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets offer potential mitigation by enhancing microclimate regulation, stormwater management, and social well-being. Despite recognition of their importance, the role of urban green spaces in climate adaptation remains insufficiently quantified and integrated into city planning. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of urban green spaces in supporting climate adaptation strategies in Southeast Asian tropical cities. The research focuses on their ecological, social, and infrastructural contributions to reducing urban vulnerability and enhancing resilience to climate stressors. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining geospatial analysis of land cover and green space distribution, secondary climate and socio-economic data, and surveys of 300 residents across three major cities. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical modeling to examine relationships between green space coverage and urban climate indicators, while qualitative data provided insights into community perceptions and adaptive practices. Results indicate that increased green space coverage correlates with reduced surface temperatures, improved stormwater absorption, and enhanced community awareness of climate risks. Residents reported higher well-being and perceived safety in areas with accessible green infrastructure. The study concludes that urban green spaces are essential components of climate adaptation strategies in tropical cities, offering co-benefits for ecology, social resilience, and infrastructure planning.

TROPICAL FORESTRY POLICY IN INDONESIA: EVALUATING THE INTEGRATION OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Jemima Reid, David Mayers, Michael Parris — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Tropical forests in Indonesia are under increasing pressure from deforestation, land-use change, and climate variability, posing significant ecological, economic, and social challenges. Current forestry policies often struggle to balance sustainable management objectives with economic development priorities. The integration of scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and public participation is recognized as a critical pathway to enhancing policy effectiveness and ensuring long-term forest resilience, yet empirical evaluation of this integration remains limited. This study aims to evaluate how Indonesian forestry policies incorporate scientific evidence, technological tools, and stakeholder participation in policy formulation and implementation. The research assesses policy frameworks, governance structures, and stakeholder engagement mechanisms to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining document analysis of national and regional forestry policies, semi-structured interviews with 40 policymakers, forestry experts, and community representatives, and field observations in three major forested regions. Data were analyzed using thematic coding, comparative policy assessment, and descriptive statistics to evaluate the level and effectiveness of integration. Results indicate that policies incorporating technological monitoring systems, participatory decision-making, and scientific assessments achieve higher compliance, adaptive capacity, and stakeholder satisfaction. However, inconsistencies across regions and limited public engagement constrain overall effectiveness. The study concludes that integrative approaches strengthen policy outcomes, but systematic mechanisms for scaling science, technology, and public participation are required to enhance sustainable tropical forestry governance in Indonesia.

TOWARD CLIMATE-RESILIENT FORESTRY POLICIES: EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY ANALYSIS IN INDONESIA

Clara Mendes, Bruna Costa, Livia Alves — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Indonesia’s tropical forests face increasing threats from climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land use, creating urgency for adaptive and resilient forestry policies. Existing regulations often lack integration of empirical evidence and climate risk considerations, resulting in suboptimal governance outcomes. Understanding the effectiveness of policy interventions is critical for enhancing forest resilience and mitigating environmental and socio-economic impacts. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Indonesia’s forestry policies through an evidence-based lens, emphasizing climate resilience, legal frameworks, and participatory governance. The research investigates how policy design and implementation align with environmental, social, and technological factors that influence forest sustainability. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of deforestation rates, forest cover data, and climate vulnerability indicators with qualitative assessments from policy document reviews, stakeholder interviews, and expert consultations. Triangulation of data sources provided a robust evaluation of policy outcomes and implementation challenges. Results indicate that policies incorporating climate adaptation strategies, technological monitoring, and participatory mechanisms achieve higher effectiveness in sustaining forest cover and reducing illegal activities. Gaps remain in enforcement, institutional coordination, and local stakeholder engagement, highlighting areas for improvement. Evidence supports the integration of adaptive, evidence-based, and participatory approaches into national forestry policies to enhance climate resilience and sustainable forest management. Findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and international partners in tropical forest governance.

TROPICAL FORESTRY LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Chantal Ngoa, Elvis Ewane, Lucie Etong — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Tropical forests in Southeast Asia play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and supporting local livelihoods. Rapid deforestation, illegal logging, and land-use conflicts continue to undermine forest sustainability, highlighting persistent gaps between legal frameworks and practical implementation. Understanding these challenges is essential for developing effective governance strategies that balance ecological, social, and economic objectives. The study aims to evaluate the existing legal frameworks governing tropical forestry in Southeast Asia and to identify key barriers to effective implementation. It examines how laws, policies, and regulations are operationalized across multiple countries, with particular attention to enforcement mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with sustainable forest management goals. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining legal document analysis, interviews with policymakers, forestry experts, and community representatives, and comparative assessment across selected Southeast Asian countries. Data were analyzed to assess the coherence, effectiveness, and practical challenges of forest governance systems. Findings reveal that while comprehensive legal frameworks exist, enforcement gaps, inconsistent policy application, limited technological monitoring, and insufficient community participation impede effective implementation. Countries with integrated governance mechanisms and participatory approaches demonstrate improved compliance and forest conservation outcomes. The study concludes that aligning legal frameworks with technological support and active stakeholder engagement is critical to enhancing tropical forest governance. Recommendations include adaptive policies, strengthened monitoring systems, and participatory mechanisms to ensure sustainable forest management.