Community characteristic as a base in planting bamboo and vetiver in hilly areas, a case study of Cibeureum Village, West Java

Abstract Involving the community is a way of protecting the environment. The area of Mount Gede Pangrango is a tourist destination for people from Jakarta and its surroundings. Changes in land use happen rapidly, as well as deforestation of hills. Community participation to reforest the hills is one of the ways that is carried out in community service activities. Based on the characteristics of the community, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the procedures of community participation in planting bamboo and vetiver at the slopes of Mount Gede Pangrango. The method of collecting data is by observing and interviewing various stakeholders. The community that gets involved come from various backgrounds and intentions. The analysis shows that the most important stage in community participation is in action planning. At this stage, the community leader is an important position. According to the community, the less important phase was evaluating the activities results. In this stage, the organizer could complete the stage by itself. The conclusion of this study shows that the backgrounds of the community leaders and the community members are keys to the program. A direct economic benefit could strengthen community participation. The community will not offer their support unless the program offers benefits of economic profit.