Knowledge

Programme News

About the project

The European Union’s Landscapes for Our Future programme supports 22 integrated landscape management projects across 19 countries and 3 sub-regions across the Global South.

READ MORE

South America and the Caribbean

Africa

Asia

¿Cómo vamos? A tool to support more equitable co-management of Peru’s protected areas

This brief presents the findings of an assessment conducted in Peru to understand and verify the adoption, outcomes, and potential impacts of the participatory reflective monitoring tool called "¿Cómo vamos?" (How are we doing?) in multistakeholder forums (MSFs). MSFs are recognized as a means of fostering transformative change to address the environmental and social impacts of the climate crisis. In Peru, the Protected Areas Service (SERNANP) mandates the establishment of MSFs or management committees (MCs) involving various stakeholders in the management of protected areas. The tool was co-developed and tested by CIFOR and SERNANP with eight MCs. The positive reception and interest in the tool led SERNANP to publish it as an official document and require its annual implementation by the MCs of its 75 protected areas. This assessment provides insights into the adoption, outcomes, and potential impacts of the tool in Peru.
Download from CIFOR
Download in English
Download in Spanish

A place at the table is not enough: Accountability for Indigenous Peoples and local communities in multi-stakeholder platforms

This article explores the challenges of achieving equity in multi-stakeholder platforms and forums (MSFs) focused on sustainable land and resource governance. Drawing on a comparative study of 11 subnational MSFs in Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Peru, the article examines the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) who participate in these forums. The research aims to understand how MSFs can ensure voice, empowerment, and address inequality, while being accountable to the needs and interests of IPLCs. The findings highlight the optimism of IPLC participants but also reveal accountability failures. The article argues for greater strategic attention to how marginalized groups perceive their participation in MSFs and proposes ways to foster collective action and hold more powerful actors accountable to achieve equality, empowerment, and justice.
Download from CIFOR
Download here

Designing for engagement: Insights for more equitable and resilient multi-stakeholder forums

A process that is engaged, committed and adaptive allows for all actors to build trust, and thus has the best chance of success moving forward. This literature review highlights the importance of engagement within an MSF.
Download from CIFOR
Download in English, French or Spanish here

How does context affect the outcomes of multi-stakeholder forums on land use and/or land-use change?: A Realist Synthesis Review of the scholarly literature

This protocol outlines a Realist Synthesis Review (RSR) that analyses the global scholarly literature on multi-stakeholder forums (MSFs) addressing land use and land-use change. MSFs bring diverse stakeholders together to address common challenges and achieve shared goals. The review aims to understand how contextual factors influence MSF outcomes. It contributes to the study of MSFs and participatory processes, addressing concerns about top-down approaches and emphasizing meaningful engagement. The RSR methodology provides empirical insights and advances social science research methods.
Download from CIFOR
Download here

Intensity and embeddedness: Two dimensions of equity approaches in multi-stakeholder forums

This paper introduces a novel approach to studying multi-stakeholder forums (MSFs) in the context of land use and land-use change, focusing on their equity implications. The authors analyse MSFs based on two key characteristics: the extent to which local communities are actively involved (intensity) and the extent to which the forum is integrated into broader societal or governmental processes (embeddedness). By employing these analytical tools, the paper offers nuanced insights into how different MSF approaches function and their impact on equity, going beyond simplistic categorizations and providing a deeper understanding of MSF dynamics.
Download from CIFOR
Download here

Trust-building and leadership in multi-stakeholder forums: Lessons from Indonesia

This paper investigates the impact of trust and leadership in multi-stakeholder forums (MSFs) addressing land and resource use in Indonesia. Conflicting interests can hinder trust-building, requiring an understanding of historical relationships to improve collaboration. Different challenges within MSFs call for specific leadership styles, including shared leadership for positive relationships and charismatic leadership for conflicts of interest or lack of trust.
Download from CIFOR
Download here

Understanding Difference to Build Bridges among Stakeholders

Perceptions of Participation in Four Multi-stakeholder Forums in the Peruvian Amazon

This study analyses the perspectives of participants and organizers in Peruvian Amazon multi-stakeholder forums (MSFs) using Q-methodology. It reveals nuanced perceptions, highlighting optimism, risk awareness, and challenges in addressing inequality. The findings offer insights for constructing more effective and equitable MSFs.

Download from CIFOR
Download here

The role of multi-stakeholder forums in subnational jurisdictions: Methods training manual and tools for in-depth research

CIFOR's Methods Training Manual for in-depth field research examines multi-stakeholder forums (MSFs) addressing land use in Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Peru. It highlights the potential and pitfalls of MSFs, emphasizing the need for genuine participation. This timely research aims to contribute empirically to understanding MSFs and their role in addressing climate change and development trajectories.
Published by CIFOR
Download here

Multi-stakeholder platforms for cross-border biodiversity conservation and landscape governance in East Africa: Perspectives and outlook

This working paper explores multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) for biodiversity conservation in East Africa. It assesses challenges, success factors, and the need for research on governance and monitoring. MSPs are crucial for managing biodiversity across sectors but require institutional linkages, skilled facilitation, science-policy connections, and sustainable financing.
Read at ICRAF
Read the paper here

The Role of Multistakeholder Platforms in Environmental Governance: Analyzing Stakeholder Perceptions in Kalomo District, Zambia, Using Q-Method

This empirical study in Zambia's Kalomo District examines stakeholder perceptions of multistakeholder platforms (MSPs) in addressing landscape challenges within a dual land tenure system. Using Q-methodology, the study identifies three narratives: MSPs as fostering dialogue, emphasizing the role of government and private sector, or addressing power imbalances. While the narratives differ, there is consensus on the potential of MSPs to harmonise policies and promote dialogue to tackle landscape challenges.
Published by Springer Link
Read here

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best website experience. By clicking “I Accept” you acknowledge the use of cookies and to our Privacy Notice and our Terms of Use.

I Accept