Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025.

The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021–2025 is a sectoral framework designed to guide the implementation of social forestry programs nationwide. It promotes the active involvement of Indigenous peoples and local communities - either independently or in collaboration with relevant stakeholders - in forest management across social, economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions to support sustainable livelihoods. Aligned with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, the 12th Malaysia Plan, and other related policies and legislation, this Strategic Plan aims to reduce vulnerability, build resilience, and enhance rural livelihoods by empowering communities and recognizing the multiple values and functions of forests. It adopts a holistic social forestry approach that benefits both communities and the government in conserving the natural environment. Developed with consideration for the socio-economic needs of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, the Plan serves as a foundation for fostering sustainable community-based forest management while strengthening environmental conservation efforts.
The Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025 aims to achieve the following (i) develop policies, legislation, and strategies for the implementation of social forestry in Malaysia; (ii) manage forest resources, land-use and environmental sustainability; (iii) involve actively indigenous peoples, local communities, and stakeholders in forest management; (iv) improve the socio-economic conditions of indigenous peoples and local communities; (v) manage and resolve conflicts; (vi) promote social forestry practices to other sectors; (vii) reduce indigenous peoples and local communities dependency on natural forest.
The social forestry programs in Peninsular Malaysia are guided by the following four main pillars (1) increasing IPLC involvement in forestry projects to enhance livelihoods; (2) reducing forest encroachment through cooperation between IPLCs and forestry authorities; (3) raising awareness on forest conservation and biodiversity through education programs; (4) restoring degraded land and forests to improve productivity. In Sabah, social forestry is part of the state’s sustainable forest management (SFM) strategy to achieve environmental, economic and social objectives and it is closely related to poverty, especially in rural areas. Sustainable forest management is implemented across three pilot geographical areas in collaboration with local communities to maximize community benefits. Key activities include (i) documenting and sharing community experiences in forest protection, management, and livelihoods; (ii) engaging in community-based water catchment protection in Gana Forest Reserve and agroforestry initiatives in degraded lands; (iii) developing a REDD+ strategy to promote forest conservation; (iv) enhancing forest protection and rehabilitation efforts; (v) establishing and restoring community conserved areas (CCAs) while promoting sustainable agriculture and forest-based community tourism to support long-term forest management. In Sarawak, social forestry is based on the following five pillars (1) Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA), promoting knowledge-sharing and awareness to foster community engagement in sustainable forest management; (2) Income Generation and Livelihood Enhancement, creating economic opportunities to improve the well-being of local communities through sustainable forestry initiatives; (3) Human Capital Development, strengthening skills, knowledge, and capacity-building programs to empower communities in forest management and conservation; (4) Social Welfare and Community Services, supporting community-driven initiatives that enhance social well-being and strengthen local participation in forest conservation; (5) Forest Restoration and Rehabilitation, implementing reforestation and ecosystem recovery efforts to restore degraded forests and enhance biodiversity conservation.