Recent forest and land-use policy changes in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo: Are they truly transformational?

• DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2022.106308
• Publication Date: 2022-08-16T22:12:09Z
• Authors: Julia Su Chen Ng; Colas Chervier; Marc Ancrenaz; Daisuke Naito; Alain Karsenty
• Keywords: land use change; http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_fac4b794; 0301 basic medicine; palmier oléifère; http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_195; oil palms; forest management; http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_10517; 15. Life on land; 12. Responsible consumption; E11 - Économie et politique foncières; politique foncière; 03 medical and health sciences; http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_6721; changement dans l'usage des terres; 13. Climate action; K01 - Foresterie - Considérations générales; 11. Sustainability; deforestation; http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1017; http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5330

This paper analyses the policy changes occurring in forest and palm oil sectors of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, through lens transformational change concept. The aim is to first examine whether Sabah transforming and, if so, identify determinants enabling or hindering change. To determine transforming, we used two criteria: - (i) an ambitious framework, that promotes conservation sustainable use, moving away from business-as-usual activities; (ii) level implementation policies identified as supporting We found very likely did intend transform. made this conclusion based on comparing decided it by primarily Sabah's with other states, federal government, internationally. showed that: use voluntary international certification standards (private market instruments) like FSC RSPO, while states not; they protect more compared national targets; (iii) early mover state one world adopt RSPO Jurisdictional Approach. But intention needs be followed implementation, where falls short. were not fully implemented because patronage system powerful actors their power continue activities, there frequent political turnover faced difficulty meeting standards. Our research shows local leadership a coalition (civil society actively working Sabah) mainly prompted change, although promises economic gains better reputation also played role. conclude emphasising must compelling for leaders, part broader institutional structure, only narrow focus reducing deforestation but development equitable economy, consumer countries should play role pressures providing incentives manages its natural resources sustainably.