Despite decades of tenure reform in developing countries, on-the-ground impact has frequently fallen short of expectations. This case study assesses CIFOR’s research on tenure reform, which investigated how regulatory frameworks, administrative management, market forces, resource systems, and community attributes affect tenure reforms and implementation at the systems level, as well as what bottlenecks exist. Our assessment provides insights into how research contributes to improving tenure reform policy and implementation.

This case study assesses CIFOR research on Brazil Nut production in the Peruvian Amazon. The project measured the impact of selective logging in Brazil Nut  concessions, providing a scientific evidence base for national quotas on timber harvesting. This case offers a unique opportunity to explore the science-policy interface in a Latin American context. The findings were considered in the drafting of the technical guidelines for the sustainable management of Brazil Nut concessions. Our analysis highlights the challenges of stakeholder identification and engagement when biophysical research seeks to inform policy and practice in complex socio-ecological systems.

CIFOR’s Poverty and Environment Network (PEN) was a multi-case, global comparative study that quantified socioeconomic contributions of forests to livelihoods, developed survey tools, a comprehensive international database, built capacity among its partners, and influenced data collection practices for evidence-based forest policy. Our assessment explores the project’s multiple and interacting pathways to impact.

Indonesia endures severe fires on an annual basis, primarily due to the deforestation of peatlands. Respiratory disease, forest loss, and the economic costs thereof have raised concerns among national policy-makers. This case study investigates CIFOR’s project on Fire and Haze, which aimed to inform decision-makers of the social, biophysical, and political dynamics that contribute to the problem. The project successfully shifted the policy discourse from fire suppression to prevention. Our analysis explores the political dimensions of knowledge translation.

Despite low trade volumes of non-timber forest products, there is high growth potential for emerging niche markets. In this case study, we assess a multi-partner project led by CIFOR and ICRAF that aimed to enhance and develop smallholder’s involvement in management, production, and value-added marketing of forest products across eastern Indonesia. Our assessment explores the roles of research and researchers in building local community capacity through participatory action research.

Mangrove forests comprise 30-35 percent of global tropical wetland, lining the coasts of 118 countries. The Sustainable Wetlands Adaptation and Mitigation Programme (SWAMP) recognized the need for increased and better scientific information about the role of tropical wetlands in carbon storage, carbon emissions, and climate change processes. It aimed to provide policy-makers with credible scientific information to make sound decisions for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The assessment found that prior to SWAMP, mangroves were overlooked in international climate change mitigation strategies. Moreover, despite being high carbon reservoirs, wetlands had not been included in the UNFCCC agenda. The SWAMP Programme achieved its goals and had unexpected benefits for local communities and the private sector. SWAMP’s work on carbon quantification in wetlands has been influential in the climate change mitigation debate, demonstrating that systems covering just 3 percent of Earth’s surface store around 30 percent of carbon stocks.

This case study assessed CIFOR’s research on REDD+ for climate change mitigation. The research focused on identifying challenges and providing solutions to support the design and implementation of effective, efficient, and equitable REDD+ policies and projects.

The program influenced capacity, discourse, and the development of improved systems for implementing REDD+ at international and national scales. These outcomes were achieved through the: 1) production of high quality independent research and publications and extended outreach; 2) development of approaches and tools such as the step-wise approach; 3) provision of expert support at the international and national level; 4) hosting of international events and training; and 5) collaboration with and capacity development of national partners.

The Furniture Value Chains (FVC) project used an action research approach to improve value chain efficiency and enhance livelihoods of small-scale furniture producers. The project was based in the Jepara District in Central Java, Indonesia, which is home to around 18,000 small-scale furniture makers. The research informed local policy processes, supporting the “Jepara Furniture Roadmap” which was eventually enacted into law.

The evaluation discovered the FVC’s main impact pathway was through the establishment of a furniture association. The association became the main platform for training and facilitation activities. The association also served to attract the attention of the local parliament. In addition, a number of association members became champions, liaising with the local government and with the association of large-scale furniture makers. However, the assessment also found that the association became less active and weak after the project was completed, when CIFOR staff no longer played a strong supporting role. The evaluation recommends future projects develop proper exit strategies and foster local stakeholder adoption to ensure sustainability.

CIFOR’s research on Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) in the Congo Basin comprises a portfolio of research activities on forest governance, non-timber forest products, forest economics, and impacts of the informal sector and climate change.

The evaluation found the research directly influenced the international forestry agenda and sub-national policies, NGO activities, and timber company practices. The research made a necessary contribution to that adaptation of international policies to the Congo Basin context. The project indirectly influenced national forest management standards.