A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999

The purpose of this study is to analyze the existing forest resource management and to explore the perception and participation of the people in forest land use planning by analyzing variables that influence to people's perception and participation. A weighted index system, cross tabulation and analysis of correlation are used to measure the relationships among variables. A case study was conducted in three villages of Social Forestry Development Project (SFDP) in Sanggau District, West Kalimantan The community in Sanggau district, particularly in the study area has specific land use system based on traditional legal system or custom. The people developed land function zoning and boundaries according to distinctive natural features and values. It appears from the study that participatory village land use planning in forest land is critical issues to sustain proper forest resource management. The study, clearly illustrated that the variables influence to people's perception in forest land use planning are people's awareness on existing forest land use planning, purposes, organization, involvement local organizations, having problems in forest utilization, causes of deforestation and knowledge of the people. In the line with people's participation, variables influence in forest resource management are people's attendance in training course, participation in forest land use planning process, participation in local organizations, participation in reforestation and permanent agriculture program. The finding of the study reveal the fact that there is positive relationship between people's perception and people's participation. Based on the survey, most of the respondents in the study area have strong perception and participation level in forest resource management. However, these levels are varied from one village to the another. In the last chapter, a strategy for land use planning in forest resource management based on participatory approach is presented and discussed. Within this short study, it is not possible to elaborate on the valid and reliable indicators of people's perception and participation in forest resource management. Therefore, there is a great need to carry out further research on the validation of the indicators through field testing and detail empirical investigation.