While Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s richest tropical rainforests, Singapore stands out for its progressive approach to forest conservation despite its highly urbanised environment. The preservation of ecosystems is essential not only for biodiversity but also for climate regulation, water security, and community well-being. 

However, in recent years, rapid urbanisation has placed pressure on Singapore’s natural spaces. According to Global Forest Watch, Singapore lost approximately 2.88 thousand hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2023, marking a 15 percent decline since 2000. In 2023 alone, 23 hectares of natural forest were lost, equivalent to 20.1 kilotons of CO₂ emissions. 

Recognising these challenges, Singapore has taken a proactive approach to green conservation. The country’s efforts are anchored in initiatives such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which sets out the “City in Nature” vision to strengthen ecological resilience and expand natural habitats. Through programmes like the OneMillionTrees movement led by the National Parks Board, more than 540,000 trees have already been planted islandwide – many by community volunteers, schools, and corporates. 

Despite its compact size, Singapore continues to make a regional impact. Domestically, restoration activities take place in areas such as Kranji Marshes, Mandai Mangroves, and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, where students, researchers, and volunteers participate in mangrove planting and habitat restoration efforts. Regionally, Singapore supports initiatives like the ASEAN Peatland Forest Project to preserve carbon-rich ecosystems and prevent transboundary haze. 

Singapore’s model of blending government policies, science, and grassroots participation underscores how even relatively small regions can lead by example in advancing forest restoration and sustainable development. 

Aliansi Kolibri strengthens community collaboration in Indonesia 

Indonesia-based Aliansi Kolibri is another leading example of how coalitions and local communities across Southeast Asia are working together to restore forests. Aliansi Kolibri, a network of civil society organizations, and Jaringan Komunitas Masyarakat Adat (JKMA) facilitate forest restoration efforts through funding, training, and strengthening the capacity of local communities. 

In this collaboration, Muhammad Nasir, a local leader known as Imeum Mukim in Mukim Paloh, Pidie Regency, Aceh, plays a crucial role. The 65-year-old man is not only a traditional leader but also an activist committed to preserving the forest. For Nasir, the forest is more than just a source of livelihood for the indigenous people; it also symbolizes the deep connection between him, his community, and their ancestors. 

In 1987, land was cleared for palm oil plantations around the indigenous forest area. Nasir did not expect that, at the same time, his ancestral forest, covering 2,981 hectares and long regarded as sacred and a primary source of livelihood for the community, was also designated as an industrial plantation forest. In fact, 30 percent of the forest area was protected by the community as a 

conservation zone for conducting traditional ceremonies and preserving the graves of their ancestors. Several water springs within the forest are also crucial for the community’s vital needs. Meanwhile, 60 percent of the forest was utilized for farming, including betel leaves, cocoa, and various fruits. 

Determined to protect his ancestral heritage and the customary rights of his community, Nasir has prepared himself for a long and challenging journey. In 2012, the Mukim Paloh community, led by Muhammad Nasir, sought assistance from JKMA to provide training on safeguarding their customary rights over their forests. Mukim Paloh consists of 12 villages under the jurisdiction of Padang Tiji Regency. 

“Preserving customary forests isn’t just about protecting the trees; it’s about safeguarding our culture, traditions, and rights as an indigenous people,” said Nasir. 

The training covered various aspects, including customary forest management, institutional strengthening, participatory mapping, legal capacity building, and climate change issues. Armed with this newfound knowledge, Nasir became even more determined to fight for his community’s rights. 

Under his leadership, Nasir became a crucial link between the local community and the government. He actively mapped territories, established customary regulations, and tirelessly advocated for the recognition of customary forests. Supported by JKMA, Nasir often stood at the forefront of the struggle, directly engaging with policymakers. 

Currently, Nasir leads training initiatives focused on economic utilization and land protection—an effort that reflects his unwavering commitment not only to preserving the hard-won status of Mukim Paloh’s customary forests but also to empowering the local community. His dedication to protecting ancestral heritage is evident in his relentless fight for the recognition of Mukim Paloh’s customary forest status. Nasir successfully guided the community in establishing customary regulations and mapping their customary forest territories. With support from JKMA, he has carried out intensive advocacy efforts with policymakers, ensuring that the customary rights of Mukim Paloh’s people over their ancestral forests are safeguarded. 

The recognition of Mukim Paloh’s customary forest was officially realized with the issuance of a Decree (SK) signed by the Minister of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) on September 7, 2023, affirming its status. This decree was later presented directly by President Joko Widodo on September 18, 2023, at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) in Jakarta, marking a significant milestone for the indigenous people of Mukim Paloh in their efforts to protect and preserve their customary forest. 

This collaboration is not the only innovation being implemented. Aliansi Kolibri has also restored 22 hectares of degraded forest across six districts, involving more than six local organizations. Additionally, this community-based restoration model has sparked greater interest among local communities in planting native species, which also contributes to food security. A total of 2,584 seedlings have been planted to enhance food resilience, with an expected harvest time of at least 4-5 years after planting. The cultivated crops include avocado, durian, guava, oranges, cocoa, coconut, mango, pineapple, and many more. 

“We hope the community-based restoration model developed by Aliansi Kolibri can serve as an example for other Southeast Asian countries to involve local communities so they too can directly benefit from these initiatives,” said Saharuddin, Secretary of Aliansi Kolibri.