Trust: A precondition for succesful implementation of redd initiatives? : a study of local empowerment and community involvement in Papua Barat, Indonesia

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to discuss the issue of whether trust is a precondition for the successful implementation of sustainable REDD initiatives in Papua Barat, Indonesia. Research objectives have been to assess the forest dependency of the indigenous peoples of Kampung Mokwam and Manokwari Utara and how this dependency affects their choice of livelihoods. Involvement of governmental and nongovernmental organizations in the past and present has given an indication of the trust levels that prevail in the Papua Barat setting. The main objective has been to analyze how trust builds social capital, thus empowering indigenous communities to actively participate in collective action through self-governance to enhance common-pool resource management. The theoretical basis of this research has had a focus on Elinor Ostrom´s (1990) work on common-pool resource management with a basis on Hardin´s (1968) Tragedy of the Commons. Coleman´s (1988) work on social capital and Kristiansen´s (2004) model on social networks have also contributed to a better understanding of common-pool resource management implementation in Papua Barat. Theories on empowerment, self-governance, and good governance have aided in strengthening the theoretical framework for the purpose of analysis. The contextual information on the history of Indonesia and Papua Barat in addition to the presentation of the concept of REDD have also been of use in analyzing trust as a precondition for successful implementation of sustainable REDD initiatives. The methodology used for the purpose of research was of a qualitative nature whereby research was conducted through interviews and focus group discussions. Findings of the research show that livelihoods of the two research areas reflect levels of indigenous forest dependency and that both indigenous communities actively engage in small-scale deforestation. However, in being aware of the environmental effects caused by deforestation, the indigenous peoples are willing to engage in REDD initiatives with the assistance of foreign organizations, as the levels of distrust between these peoples, the government, and nongovernmental organizations is high, thus causing a social trap whereby all parts are skeptical of engaging in collective action with one another. The social trap has its roots in the history of the province, the lack of infrastructure, the blatant and apparent corruption issues prevailing in the archipelago, and finally, a general lack of human capital and knowledge in the setting of Papua Barat. Thus, trust is, without doubt, a vital precondition for the successful implementation of REDD initiatives through empowerment and social capital build-up in rural Papua Barat, Indonesia.