On November 11–12, ECO-SOLVE held its first community dialogue in Jambi, on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including law enforcement officials, government representatives, non-governmental organisations, and community members, particularly indigenous and forest communities affected by wildlife trafficking, land grabbing, illegal logging, and illegal mining. The dialogue served as a platform for fostering mutual understanding, building trust, and developing collaborative strategies to address environmental crimes in the region.
The first day began with participants collectively establishing common definitions of environmental crimes to ensure a shared understanding of the issues. This step was vital given the wide range of perspectives and backgrounds present. Participants then identified the key actors involved in these crimes, including community members, law enforcement, government officials, and local elites, highlighting the complex dynamics of environmental crimes. The session also created space for communities to share their experiences and concerns, including the impact of these crimes on access to water and food, health issues, reduced job opportunities, and risks to personal safety. Law enforcement officials presented their current initiatives, fostering a better understanding of the challenges faced by both sides.
Key challenges were explored during the third session, revealing a multifaceted problem. Communities raised concerns about harmful practices by private companies, environmental degradation, and corruption, though they were hesitant to name specific entities. They also highlighted a lack of understanding of environmental crime laws, limited collaboration with government institutions, and insufficient funding for community-led initiatives. For law enforcement, the main issues were the low prioritisation of environmental crimes, resource constraints, and a lack of structured collaboration with local communities. The dialogue underscored the need for platforms like this to bridge these gaps and enable mutual understanding, ultimately paving the way for joint solutions.
On the second day, participants worked in groups to brainstorm strategies for preventing environmental crimes. Both community and law enforcement representatives shared actionable ideas and were encouraged to apply for ECO-SOLVE’s grants in Indonesia to implement their proposed initiatives. As of this report, 12 preliminary applications have been received, showcasing the event’s success in inspiring concrete action. This inaugural community dialogue highlights ECO-SOLVE’s commitment to fostering collaborative solutions and empowering communities to tackle environmental crimes effectively.
