Development as a tool for conflict prevention and forest conservation: a case study of the Danau Sentarum Development Plan and its impact on the people of Danau Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Are agroforestry and Participated Land-Use Planning (PLUP) a useful tool for conflict prevention and social cohesion, and thus for fighting the ever expanding palm oil plantations? This thesis tries to provide an answer to this question. In order to do so, a three-month case study in West Kalimantan was conducted to study development work in Danau Sentarum National Park. The development of agroforestry does provide better economic situations and better social relations among the communities in and around the National Park, causing a decrease in mutual conflicts. Interestingly, as a consequence an increase in tensions between the communities and the palm oil companies can be noticed. However, agroforestry is only effective when it actually provides a viable alternative to palm oil; it must have similar characteristics.