The power of co-creation: Strengthening social forestry through the adopt-a-tree approach in Nagari Sirukam

Abstract

Social forestry programs play a crucial role in sustainable forest management and community empowerment. However, their success depends on the institutional capacity of local forest management organizations. This study identifies key challenges faced by the Nagari Forest Management Institute (LPHN) in Sirukam, including limited management capacity, low stakeholder participation, weak multi-party collaboration, and the absence of a foster tree database. To address these issues, this research develops a co-creation-based social forestry model that is valid, practical, and effective. Using a Research and Development (R&D) approach, this study integrates the ADDIE model with Participatory Action Research (PAR) to ensure stakeholder engagement. Data collection involves questionnaires, interviews, observations, FGDs, and tests, analyzed through qualitative and quantitative methods. The model undergoes validity testing by experts, practicality testing by LPHN, and effectiveness evaluation through capacity-building outcomes. The study results in three key outputs: a co-creation-based social forestry development model book, the LPHN Sirukam pocketbook, and an application-based foster tree database. Findings indicate that the proposed model significantly enhances LPHN’s capacity, strengthens stakeholder collaboration, and introduces technology-driven governance in community forestry. The research confirms that co-creation fosters sustainable forest management by promoting inclusivity and structured interventions. Beyond Nagari Sirukam, the findings offer a replicable framework for global community forestry programs, contributing to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and rural economic sustainability.