Abstract

This paper discusses the policy and implementation context of the REDD (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) demonstration activity in Ulu Masen in the province of Aceh, Indonesia. It is argued that the slow endorsement of the demonstration activity by the Indonesian government may be due to mistiming in relation to the regulations on REDD projects and to diverging interpretations of the law that grants special status to the province of Aceh on the management of forests. It is also observed that while the proponents of this project have undertaken consultations at different levels, there is still a need to improve consultations with local communities on the design and implementation of the project to ensure local understanding – and ownership – of the project’s goals and activities.