Design and implementation of a community initiative

The community initiative has been designed in a participatory manner, together with representatives from the selected community. Activities included reflective sessions on gender, social roles and work, and local economic opportunities. The format of the sessions was held in a participatory methodology based on MUVA principles.

Interviews with participants after the training sessions revealed that they were perceived as very helpful in promoting a better understanding of gender inclusion. Participants learned different things from what they had in mind and realized that there is not much difference between men and women and that they have the same rights. Responses indicated a transformation in the perceptions of the participants, who have come to recognize and value equal opportunities in business and the breaking down of gender stereotypes associated with commercial activities. These changes indicate a move towards a more inclusive and equitable vision of professions and types of business for men and women.

  • To promote greater gender equality in the community, meetings should be held in a place that allows everyone to participate, where information on the subject can be shared, and participants can clarify any doubts they may have. 
  • A fun atmosphere was fundamental to the positive impression of participants as well as understanding that the road to gender equality depends on expanding these types of sessions to "change mentalities".
  • Previous contact with community leaders is key to getting permission and support for running the initiative in the selected community.
  • Participants highlighted the importance of extending this kind of conversation to older individuals as a means of involving everyone in demystifying gender roles in professions and opportunities.
  • The participatory methodology allowed to create an environment for open discussions and the development of communication skills.
  • The involvement of community leaders is crucial. Still, it is essential to set and communicate criteria for the selection of participants in an inclusive format with no interference from the leaders, disseminating the opportunity for participation widely and inclusively.
Action plans – development of practical tools and policies for positive gender change processes

Based on the leadership and Change Makers Group training, participatory action plans were developed. These plans were translated into changes in institutional practices and policies in the following areas: personal and professional development; health and well-being; maternity and paternity; and inclusive leadership. The action plans were collaboratively crafted by the teams and subsequently approved by leadership. This process led to the establishment of working groups comprising diverse members from the company, each responsible for developing the specific details of their assigned actions. 

Key results from the action plans within Aquapesca include: changes in the communication of vacancies and recruitment process to encourage the inclusion of women in different work positions; the dissemination of maternity and paternity policies for staff awareness; the improvement of staff equipment for health and safety; new multi-sectorial working groups for more inclusivity in decision making; the creation of a physical mural for inclusive communication about companies key information and opportunities; and the implementation of new activities in the community for better relationship, support and communication.

  • Allocating adequate human and financial resources for action plan implementation; limited resource availability can impact the effectiveness of implementation
  • Alignment of the staff ideas with the leadership priorities to guarantee time and resources allocated for the action plan implementation
  • Align the company’s priorities with the action plans related to the gender strategy to have the staff time and financial resources already allocated for the different initiatives. The importance of alignment with the leadership and engagement with them is crucial. Engaging key staff and availability for the strategy is powerful in catalyzing the implementation of the action plans.
  • Recognize the importance of flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication strategies when addressing deeply ingrained social norms.
  • Need for a strategic approach to resource management, optimizing the use of limited financial and human resources to achieve maximum impact.
Establishment and Training of a Change Makers Group

The Change Makers Group at the business partner Aquapesca was formed by seven individuals from different departments. The identification of key individuals for this group was made possible through collaboration between MUVA and Aquapesca's leadership. The rapid assessment of the organizational culture of Aquapesca enabled the team to map those potential champions to participate in the Change Makers Groups. The selected team members were then listed for the approach.

Training and capacity building for the change makers group took place intending to equip the Aquapesca team with the MUVA facilitation methodology, which is grounded in participatory popular education techniques. The training program with the Change Makers Group at Aquapesca had specific objectives designed to empower the group and equip them with necessary skills and knowledge, including a significant component on the gender perspective. This involved a comprehensive review of the concept of gender and an examination of societal norms that shape gender roles and expectations. By understanding these dynamics, participants were better equipped to address gender-related issues in their training and community engagement efforts. 

  • Schedule a good time for the training as many staff members have busy schedules and time constraints, making it difficult to dedicate time for participation in gender training.
  • Senior facilitators leading the training to guarantee relevant discussions and takeaways to start the design of action plans collaboratively.
  • Intense face-to-face training with the Change Makers Group and continuous online and periodic mentoring to monitor development.
  • Be flexible in the training program, offering scheduling and format options that accommodate staff members’ availability.
  • Highlight the personal and professional benefits of participating in the training, showcasing how it can contribute to individual well-being and development.
  • It is important to invest in the development and empowerment of change agents within the company. By equipping the change makers group with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead internal processes, we established a foundation for sustained change. Their active involvement and commitment catalyze the long-term adoption of gender-inclusive practices and policies.
Create awareness and engage the Aquapesca staff in establishing a more gender-inclusive environment

A rapid assessment enabled us to intricately outline the methodological workflow for our collaboration with the company Aquapesca. This workflow began with the formation of the Change Makers Group, working in close tandem with the MUVA team to grasp the methodologies necessary for ensuring the sustainability of our approach within the organization. The Change Makers Group was entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading processes within the organization, ultimately becoming champions of inclusion and gender equality, working in conjunction with colleagues and leadership. Following the group's inception, leadership training was conducted to create awareness and generate initial ideas regarding the areas of focus for action plans with new practices and policies for the company. Subsequently, the Change Makers Group was trained, building capacity for them to facilitate the approval of these plans and mobilize working groups dedicated to each area of work. 

  • Engagement of the CEO and other executive leadership members
  • Motivation of young people selected to participate in the Change Makers Groups and to lead the process as part of their skills development in career progression
  • The time of staff engagement should be well forecasted at the beginning of the project to guarantee availability and to not overburden them.
  • Communicate the needs of the company leadership about the team’s availability and resources.
Sustainable Alternative Revenue from APL Forests

Recognizing the ongoing threat of APL forest conversion by the palm oil sector, Kalfor identified the need to develop sustainable alternatives for revenue generation, employment, and livelihoods. Despite conservation efforts, only 56% (197.152 ha) of APL forests in four pilot districts have enhanced legal protection, leaving the majority at conversion risk. The project emphasizes finding sustainable uses for these forests that offer economic incentives for conservation. 

Exploring non-timber forest products (NTFPs) emerged as a promising strategy. Studies conducted in districts like Sintang revealed the profitability of NTFPs, with potential for cooperative management. Training sessions for government and university staff aim to integrate the economic valuation of APL forests into land-use planning. Additionally, Kalfor is exploring support for larger-scale NTFP enterprises, utilizing existing research and collaborations with MOEF, research institutions, and successful NTFP companies.

The challenge of providing economic alternatives to palm oil production highlights the complexity of balancing conservation with local economic needs. While small-scale community schemes offer benefits, they may not suffice for broader economic growth needs. Understanding the potential of NTFPs and the barriers to their development is critical. Effective incentive structures for NTFP enterprises and integrating their benefits into regional planning are key steps. Kalfor's experience underscores the importance of aligning sustainable forest use with economic incentives to ensure APL forest conservation. 

Quality Data for APL Forest Protection

For APL (Non-State-Owned Forest Area) forests, lacking legal protection and reliant on voluntary conservation, quality data on forest cover is crucial. The Kalfor project addressed the need for accurate forest cover data in APL areas. Initially, the existing data was unreliable.  MoEF through KalFor facilitation, improved data accuracy using high-resolution remote-sensing from LAPAN collaborating with provincial universities This revised data, showing a total HCVF area of 347,922ha in four districts, provided a solid foundation for decision-making and highlighted the project's commitment to accuracy and empirically-driven, evidence-based practice. 

University partners played a key role in deepening knowledge, classifying APL forests by High Conservation Value (HCV) types, and mapping different areas. This scientific approach boosted stakeholder appreciation for forest conservation. Kalfor's role as a bridge between academia and governments facilitated informed, long-term decision-making, enhancing institutional capacity. 

Kalfor learned that while quality data is vital in convincing stakeholders of conservation needs, it's not sufficient alone. Decision-making often overlooks conservation values, focusing instead on other interests. Emphasizing the limited scope of remaining APL forests and their vulnerability to conversion is crucial. Real-world impacts of this approach include East Kalimantan's use of geospatial data and Ketapang district stakeholders' engagement in forest cover analysis. Accurate data reporting on regulatory impacts and socio-economic outcomes is essential for comprehensive forest protection and project evaluation.