In spite of its importance, the area has been exposed to significant deforestation and degradation. A high density of free-roaming cattle, swidden agricultural practices and intensive gathering of firewood (mostly for household fuel consumption) have caused a gradual process of deforestation and prevented regeneration. Although indigenous institutions and customs play a vital role in the management of the forest, land tenure arrangements are ambiguous and this has allowed further encroachment on the forest reserve.

Poor natural resource management has been identified as one of the key factors contributing to the rapidly increasing risk of natural disaster on the Island. The project aimed to identify new opportunities to address degradation of natural resources in Eastern Indonesia.

Working through local partners, KYEEMA contributed to this through activities involving developing an inventory of emissions level and a feasibility study. KYEEMA set up workshops for the partners to reach agreements on budgets and on the issues stakeholders faced. We involved the community in group discussions and feasibility assessments of the forest carbon.

Following this project there is now a deeper understanding of deforestation and forest degradation by local NGOs and local government. There is enhanced community engagement, as they understand the need to better manage the natural resources. The project highlighted the key role the forest plays in the economic and cultural life of communities. The project clearly showed that Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) is feasible in NTT and that there is political will to invest in REDD.