From the fertile fields of Cambodia to the dense rainforests of Indonesia and Lao PDR, Southeast Asia's agricultural lands and forest resources are of social and ecological significance to the region.

Home to over 300 million rural inhabitants, as many as 140 million people rely on forests for their livelihoods, nutrition, and essential food security needs. And as Southeast Asia grapples with the effects of climate change, integrating social forestry initiatives becomes vital.

Why investing in social forestry initiatives matter
Social forestry initiatives play a pivotal role in climate change mitigation by cultivating community involvement in sustainable land management practices.

Investing and engaging local communities in forest restoration and conservation enhances carbon sequestration and promotes biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation. Social forestry also stimulates socioeconomic growth by creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and enhancing community resilience.