A study on “Eco-certified Natural Rubber from Sustainable Rubber Agroforestry in Sumatra, Indonesia,” has just recently been concluded by the World Agroforestry Centre – ICRAF SEA Program Office. 

Scientists from the Centre conducted the study with staff of WARSI and Gita Buana (local non-government organizations) in partnership with the W-BRIDGE (Waseda University -Bridgestone) Initiative – Bridging Human Activities and Development of the Global Environment, Research and Action Support Program.

Applying an action research method, the study was aimed to analyze and test eco-certification of jungle rubber as a mechanism for conserving biodiversity and enhancing the livelihood of rubber-growers in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia.

The study concluded that with the current rubber price (IDR 13,000 or about USD 1.44 per kg), smallholder rubber systems are profitable. There is now a consensus among research and development professionals on the need to provide incentives (as rewards, compensation and recognition) to the poor tropical producers of non-timber forest products for providing environmental services. On potential rubber eco-certification, however, with the weak regulation support from the government and the many obstacles inherent in current eco-certification approaches, eco-certification is still a long way to go despite its potential to protect environmental services.

The study report containing an executive summary of the study, results and recommendations is now available. Click the below links to download.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Eco-certified Natural Rubber from Sustainable Rubber Agroforestry in Sumatra, Indonesia
APPENDIX 1 A Profitability Assessment of Smallholder Rubber Agroforestry System in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia
APPENDIX 2 Agroforestry Area under Threats: Dynamics and Trajectories of Rubber Agroforest in Bungo District, Jambi
APPENDIX 3 Multi-stakeholder Perception and Premium Price on Rubber Ecocertification in Bungo District, Jambi
APPENDIX 4 Enhancing Rubber Production in Communities around a Village Forest in Bungo District, Jambi
APPENDIX 5 MoU Signining and References