4. Challenges of the Dusun Kiau Community Conserved
Forest
At present, the Community Conserved Forest is facing threats from
encroachment from outsiders and also villagers, including poaching and
illegal trading of orchids. This has caused uncontrolled resource collection
and poses a threat of extinction for the flora and fauna species in our
community forest.
Besides that, lack of recognition towards our Community Conserved
Forest also poses a threat. Without recognition, our forest is exposed to
land applications by companies and outsiders that wish to cultivate or
develop our land. This will affect our access to forest resources and will
also cause the disappearance of traditional knowledge and culture
related to the forest.
There is also a challenge of culture continuity and transfer of traditional
knowledge because of external culture influence, migration of youths
outside the village to further their studies and find work. The newer
generations are also less interested and do not want to engage in
community activities.
5. Dusun Kiau Community Initiatives
To overcome these challenges, we have taken several initiatives. One
such intiative is strengthening community cooperation in our forest care.
We have carried out several workshops, especially to raise awareness
among our community members on the importance of our community
forest. Furthermore, we have also done communal activities together
such as making trails and gazebos in our community forest. We also
regularly monitor the forest to reduce and prevent encroachment.
14 | D u s u n K i a u C o m m u n i t y P r o t o c o l