Agroforestry on the interface of climate change mitigation, adaptation and sustainability

The global challenge of climate change is a symptom of unsustainable development pathways. It also is a direct cause of concern through its impacts on lives and landscapes in the countries that have large emissions as well as those without. Indonesia is part of the global problem, mainly due to the high emissions from peatlands and forest fire s, and will have to be part of the solution. Globally, the excess of ‘ecological footprint’ over available space urges for a more efficient use of space, with multifunctionality and the co- production of goods and services as a requirement. Forms of agroforestry are well placed to provide such multifunctional solutions, even if they involve tradeoffs and compromises internal to the system. These tradeoffs can only be managed if goods and services are bot h rewarded at appropriate levels. Compared with the traditional prof essional training of foresters and agronomists, the current requiremen ts for integrated natural resource management are much broader and indeed integrated. Adaptation to the shifting opportunities and challenges of cl imate, on top of shifts in globalizing markets and transforming economies and adjustments in the balance of power between local, national and global governance, will require a high degree of ‘sustainagility’ rather than adoption of pre-conceived plans. A mix of analytical and synthetic skills is needed from our next generation of professionals and leaders, as well as an ability to assist multiple stakeholders in the negotiation of multifunctionality in rapidly changing landscapes..

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