What is CBFM?

People first and sustainable forestry will follow sums up the concept of CBFM. The Government believes
that by addressing the needs of local communities, they themselves will join hands to protect and manage
the very source of their livelihood.
CBFM goals include promoting:

Sustainable management of forest resources

Social justice and improved well-being of local communities

Strong partnership among local communities and the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources.

What is the scope of CBFM?

CBFM applies to all areas classified as forest lands, including allowable zones within protected areas not
covered by prior vested rights.
The program integrates and unifies all people-oriented forestry activities of the Integrated Social Forestry
program, Community Forestry Program, Coastal Environment Program, and Recognition of Ancestral
Domains.
What are the features of CBFM?

Security of Tenure. The Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) entitles

forest communities to use and develop the forestland and resources for duration of 25 years.
Social Equity. Social justice is a basic principle underlying CBFM in granting forest communities
and comprehensive rights to use and develop forest resources.

DENR and LGU Partnership. DENR and LGUs provide technical assistance to CBFM participants
to help them attain sustainable forest management.

Investment Capital and Market Linkage. CBFM helps participants access investment capital,
identify markets, and build marketing capabilities.

Who can participate in CBFM?

The principal participants of the program are local communities including indigenous people represented
by their Peoples Organization (POs) and traditional tribal councils whose members are:

Actually tilling portions of the area to be awarded, or

Traditionally using the resource for all or substantial portion of their livelihood, or

Residing in or adjacent to the areas to be awarded.

What are the roles of DENR & LGUs?

A strong DENR-LGU partnership is vital to the success of CBFM. DENR and LGUs, in active collaboration
with other sectors, are working together to help strengthen local forest communities in managing forest
resources.
The DENR-LGU partnership in CBFM has resulted in substantial LGU financial support for forestland use
planning, community organizing, technical training, and IEC.
DENR and the LGU:

Identify potential CBFM sites, plan forest land uses with communities, and endorse and issue
CBFMAs
Organize and prepare CBFM communities for a CBFMA

Provide technical assistance and skills training for CBFM communities

Monitor progress and environmental impact of CBFM activities

What are the roles of POs?

Join DENR and the LGU in making a forest land use plan and prepare a Community Resources
Management Framework (CRMF) including the POs Mission and Objectives
Represent the interest of their forest communities

Protect and maintain forest land entrusted to their stewardship