Forest concessions in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala: A decade later

BACKGROUND:

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant shift in conservation strategies from traditional command-and-control approaches to more inclusive, community-focused philosophies. This transition was driven by the recognition of the failures of strict protectionism, which often led to diminished ecological and institutional resilience. Simultaneously, the recognition of rural communities as both impacted by and impactful within natural systems has grown, advocating for incentive-based, participatory strategies to address human-environment conflicts effectively.

GOALS AND METHODS:

The paper aims to analyze the evolution of forest concessions in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve, evaluating their ecological integrity, socio-economic development, and governance after more than a decade of implementation. It utilizes a management unit-based approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess the state of these concessions. Additionally, the paper categorizes the varying trajectories of the concessions' success or failure, identifying key biophysical, socio-economic, and market drivers that have influenced these outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS:

The paper concludes that multiple-use forest management through concessions can effectively integrate conservation and development goals under certain conditions, significantly benefiting local communities while conserving natural resources. However, it also highlights that poor management can lead to ecological degradation and increased poverty, emphasizing the need for strong governance, adequate financial management, and alignment of local and global interests. The study suggests that success in forest concessions requires a long-term, flexible commitment from external actors, proper stakeholder engagement, and diversified economic activities to enhance resilience and sustainability.