Communities and sustainable forestry in developing countries

This book looks at case studies that address the overarching questions of who has the right to exploit forest products. What is the key challenge in managing forest systems? What does the decline of forests mean? And why have reforestation efforts fallen short? The case studies indicate that local forest usersùthose with traditional patterns of forest useùare the best managers and stewards because they have a vested interest in the forestÆs long-term sustainability. This book argues that strong community forestry organisationsùformed by traditional forest usersùare the best hope of preserving and sustaining forests in developing countries.
The book is divided into five main sections: communities and sustainable forestry; user rights, user groups and sustainable forest management; overcoming economic obstacles in forestry; approaches to community organisation; and government support for forestry communities.