General - 09 October, 2020
Over the last couple of decades, many governments have formalized the forest rights of local communities and indigenous peoples, with the expectation that this would contribute to both conservation and sustainable development. With forest tenure reforms underway, this is a good time to reflect on the experiences so far: Have these reforms led to the desired outcomes? And, what are the conditions for success?
To answer these questions, Tropenbos International and partners conducted a review of community forest tenure models in ten countries: Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam in Asia; DR Congo, Liberia, Nigeria and Uganda in Africa; and Bolivia, Colombia and Suriname in Latin America. First, case experts from each country interviewed representatives of local communities, civil society organizations, governments, the private sector and academia. Then representatives of civil society organizations came together in national-level workshops, to discuss how conservation and development outcomes of community forest tenure models could be improved.
The findings of the interviews and workshops have now been captured in a set of briefing papers. Each paper provides an overview of the outcomes of the tenure model, the conditions for success, as well as practical recommendations for civil society organizations. The collection of papers will provide a useful resource for anyone interested in how formalized community forest rights can reach their full potential to contribute to conservation, development and social justice.
Download the briefing papers here: