Community Forestry

Forty years of community-based forestry: A review of its extent and effectiveness

Background

This report assesses the effectiveness of community-based forestry (CBF) over the past 40 years. Governments have been implementing programs such as participatory conservation, joint forest management, community forestry with partial or full devolution, and private ownership over several decades, and the authors assess the biophysical and social impacts of these programs, and outline the key lessons learnt during this time. 

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INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS AND THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE SHANGWE COMMUNITY IN GOKWE DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE

BACKGROUND

The rapid decline in global biodiversity is being attributed to the erosion of traditional beliefs globally. In the Gokwe area of Zimbabwe, the Shangwe people are known for their wise use of IKS in the preservation of their environment. They are also known for their cultural beliefs and taboos which can be recognized in songs and dance as they give veneration to their Nevana rain spirit.

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Who determines biodiversity? An analysis of actors' power and interests in community forestry in Namibia

BACKGROUND

Community Forestry programs have been introduced in many parts of the world since the 1970's. These, aim to improve livelihoods and natural resources management in those regions. However, implementation of these programs has faced power devolution challenges due to the presence of powerful actors. This questions if the projects deliver what they promise.

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Stewardship Success: How Community Group Dynamics Affect Urban Street Tree Survival and Growth

BACKGROUND

Urban street trees provide various benefits. Their establishment has been characterized by low survivals in the past 50 years. Reasons behind the low productivity are bio physical challenges and shortage of funds to take care of the trees. Community groups and home- owners have successfully participated in tree planting programs, however little research has been conducted if there are social factors which contribute to the poor tree survivals and growth.

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Marco para evaluar el alcance y la eficacia de la forestería de base comunitaria

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Antecedentes

Organizaciones internacionales como la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación (FAO) y la Iniciativa de Derechos y Recursos (RRI) han evaluado las tendencias mundiales del desarrollo de la forestería a base comunitaria (FBC) y la tenencia de bosques. Sin embargo, existe una escasez de información relacionada a el alcance y la efectividad de distintos estilos de FBC alrededor del mundo.

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Co-management options for reserved forests in Zimbabwe and beyond: Policy implications of forest management strategies

BACKGROUND

After the year 2000 land reform program in Zimbabwe, some peasants began to take advantage of the land reform impetus to squat on forests even though the State had attempted to preserve all conservation areas from land resettlement. Ever since, there have been conflicts between the state and the people living around forests. Co management or joint management initiatives were introduced to try to solve these People- State Relations.

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Fuelwood collection and its impacts on a protected tropical mountain forest in Uganda.

Background

This study examined the patterns, effects and potential management of fuelwood extraction on the forest of Mt Elgon, located in the Eastern part of Uganda, Sub- Saharan Africa. Fuelwood is the main source of energy, mainly collected from the forest. 98% of the households use fuelwood and charcoal for cooking and heating. This is a protected area with a history of conflict between surrounding populations and conservation actors. No other forest remains in its direct vicinity.

Research goals and Methods

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Participatory research for restoration and agro-ecological production

Background

This chapter describes the process and outcomes of a 25-year participatory research project that was carried out in partnership between CIPAV and farmers of a local community in El Dovio, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The project was guided by integrated land management and the need to combine biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable use of natural resources. 

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Restoring Forests For Communities, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services

Background

This publication summarizes the proceedings of a 2011 conference held in Bogor, Indonesia titled "Restoring Forests For Communities, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services". The aim of the conference was to provide a space in which forest restoration approaches used in Indonesia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia were shared and discussed. The report includes summaries of the opening and closing remarks along with the conference's seven presentations. 

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Mainstreaming Native Species-Based Forest Restoration

Background

This publication summarizes the proceedings of a 2010 conference held in the Phillipines titled "Mainstreaming Native Species-Based Forest Restoration", which aimed to provide technical expertise and experience with restoration and reforestation practices for tropical forests in order to address the country's forest cover decline. The report summarizes the events of the two days, including two opening remarks, six presentations, and five panels. 

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