Operationalising the landscape approach for biodiversity and benefits: Policy, practice and people

Landscape approaches offer solutions to avoid utilisation competition and conflicting goals while enhancing potential synergies. However, the implementation and – above all – evaluation of the landscape approach has yet to be broadly established. This project is using a variety of partners and stakeholders to operationalise the landscape approach and ensure its implementation in practice. Key players are being networked at several levels to ensure they benefit from the implementation of the landscape approach. The main focus of this project is on national policy and processes, so as to increase awareness of the value of biological diversity. The project is funding resources and skills aimed at improving the integration of biodiversity into national policies and land development planning. This is being achieved by the organisation of a comprehensive public relations programme, as well as cooperation with political decision-makers and other target groups at the national and international level.

Project data

Countries: Ghana, Indonesia, Zambia
IKI funding: 5,921,712.00 €
Duration: 06/2018 till 04/2026
Status: completed
Implementing organisation: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
Political Partner: Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia

Forestry Commission - Ghana

Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection - Zambia*
Implementing Partner: Community Based Natural Resources Forum (CBNRM-Forum)

Community-Based Rural Development Program – Phase 3 (PNGT2-3)

Directorate-General for the Green Economy and Climate Change (DGEVCC)

Riak Bumi

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State of implementation/results

Indonesia:
- Communities in Labian Ira’ang and Pelaik were supported in the recognition of customary forests, particularly through participatory mapping and formal verification processes.
- Boundary verification was successfully completed in December 2025, despite differing traditional territories of two ethnic groups within a single village.
- A joint village regulation to improve landscape and waste management was developed and adopted in December 2025.
- Community outreach activities are planned for March 2026 to strengthen implementation and participation.
Ghana:
- Research findings on vegetation and biodiversity in the Western Wildlife Corridor were presented at an international conference in February 2026.
- Analysis of a quality of life study in six communities is currently ongoing.
- Scientific publications and book chapters are under development.
- Collaboration with funding organizations is being expanded to continue project activities.
Zambia:
- Information and training materials on community-based forest management have been finalized, including translations of relevant legal provisions.
- Trainings on governance, leadership, and entrepreneurship have been conducted and documented.
- Measures to promote value chains and market linkages have been implemented.
- Local outreach has been strengthened through posters and radio programs supporting community forest management groups.