Determinants community involvement in a forest carbon sequestration initiative: A study case in Indonesia

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/forests-and-global-change/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2026.1770765/abstract

Authors: Novelia Triana, Takahiro Ota, Sunhee Suk

29 April 2026

Abstract

Community involvement is a crucial component of climate mitigation strategy at the local level. This study investigates the determinants of community participation in forest carbon sequestration initiatives, focusing on how project characteristics and perceived co-benefits shape local attitudes and engagement. Using a sample of 231 households surrounding a forest concession area, the research employs a multi-method approach including Multiple Linear Regression, Ordinal Logistic Regression, and PLS-SEM. The results reveal significant influences of 19 identified co-benefits and program characteristics toward willingness to participate, even among non-participants. Notably, support capacity building and environmental education and awareness as significant predictor toward intention to participate. The ordinal regression model demonstrates that program characteristics program characteristics significantly influenced community evaluations, with desirability and open communication showing consistent positive effects. Moreover, using sem analysis, program management and design are the primary drivers of positive attitudes and long-term willingness to engage, whereas material rewards alone were found insufficient to shift fundamental perceptions. The findings suggest that the longevity of nature-based solutions depends on prioritizing procedural justice and capacity building over simple incentive structures to align climate mitigation goals with community resilience.

Source: Frontiers