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Is Decentralization Leading to "Real" Decision-Making Power for Forest-dependent Communities? Case Studies from Mexico and Brazil.
- Source :
-
Ecology & Society . 2012, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p254-267. 14p. 1 Diagram, 8 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Decentralization of forest governance has been promoted as a way to conserve forests more effectively, while also improving rural and forest-dependent livelihoods. Prior to assessing the consequences of this decentralization trend, there is a need to critically examine the degree to which decentralization of forest management decision making is actually happening. In particular, it is unclear whether communities are securing legal authority and/or decision-making power over the forests on which they depend. This study uses case studies of community forestry in Brazil and Mexico to examine the amount of decision-making power communities and smallholders have received over forest resources. A framework for assessment is developed that identifies criteria of relevance to community members' rights and day-to-day activities. We found that in both countries the government maintains significant control over forest resources through heavy regulation of extraction, but that communities have increasing control over day-to-day forest management decisions. We conclude by posing questions on the appropriate levels of decentralization for optimal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *FOREST management
*COMMUNITY forestry
*FORESTS & forestry
*COMMUNITY forests
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17083087
- Volume :
- 17
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Ecology & Society
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 79699320
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-04570-170112