The Roles of Social Forest Navigation and Community Engagement in Achieving Successful Forest Reclamation and Empowered Ecosystems

Abstract

This study explores the complex interrelationships among empowered ecosystems (EE), social forest navigation (SFN), community engagement (CE), and forest reclamation (FR) with the aim of enhancing community forests in Indonesia. To test the proposed hypotheses, the research utilized confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and path analysis within a quantitative framework. The results reveal that both SFN and CE exert significant positive direct effects on FR and EE. Additionally, FR serves as a crucial mediating variable in the relationships between CE and EE, as well as between SFN and EE. These findings underscore the vital role of social and community initiatives in facilitating effective forest reclamation, thereby empowering ecosystems. The implications of this research are substantial for community leaders, policymakers, and environmental organizations involved in sustainable forest management. By offering a more nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics linking community involvement, forest reclamation, social engagement, and empowered ecosystems, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge. However, it is important to note the study's limitations, which include a focus on a specific geographic region and reliance on self-reported data. Despite these constraints, the thorough examination of mediating effects distinguishes this research and advances the theoretical framework for community forest empowerment. Furthermore, this work lays a significant foundation for future studies aimed at deepening our understanding of the interplay between community empowerment and environmental conservation in diverse contexts.