use case

A community forestry approach towards ecological conservation

A community-led approach to ecological conservation and ensuring sustainable agriculture in the rainforests of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. The use case offers valuable lessons for policymakers working on methods to involve forest communities to ensure livelihood benefits and environmental protection.

source of visual

Latin America, Peten, Guatemala, Offline
- Where did this use case occur?
1990s - ongoing
- When did this use case occur?
The government offers concessions and monitors through stringent rules, and several non-profit partners are involved in the implementation
- Who were some of the key collaborators
In 2004, 9 community forest enterprises generated 24,338 permanent jobs and 46,692 temporary jobs.
- How many people participated?
Ecological/Environmental, Land/landscape, Municipality
- What are some keywords?

What was the problem?

A primary challenge for forest communities was their inability to enjoy the rich resources around them, Additionally, industrialists and smugglers invaded the forest to extract profit from the resources leading to economic loss for the communities and environmental damage.

How does the community approach the problem?

Communities set up Community Forest Enterprises (CFEs) in the reserve which gave them the right to use and manage forest resources.

Process

Community Forestry

Technique

Community Forest Enterprises (CFEs) are responsible for sustainable economic and livelihood activities within the permitted zone according to the terms of the concession. CFEs have also organized to take charge of fire control, boundaries, and impeding illegal activities related to the extraction.

Tool

No Specified Tools

What were the results?

• Increase in household income for forest communities leading to a reduction in poverty levels
• Better environmental protections through ecologically friendly practices to turn the forest resources into a source of income

In Our Opinions

How participatory was it?

Empower

The reaction of the participants involved demonstrated a power-shifting in the management of their ecological resources.

What makes this Use Case unique?