Data shows that our rights-based approach to forest conservation is successful

Drawing on data from around the world, a recent study conducted by the Center for International Forestry (CIFOR) concluded that community-managed forest areas are in fact more successful at preventing or reducing deforestation than protected areas or state-run parks. This finding corroborates the central philosophy behind the work of the Rainforest Foundations US. We have worked for 22 years under the belief that securing land rights for the local indigenous communities living within the forests is the best way to sustainably conserve those forests long-term. Such communities rely on forest-based resources for a full one-fifth of their household incomes, and therefore have strong incentives to practice sustainable forest management. Community-based forest management is a successful conservation strategy in the long-term as it both reduces poverty and encourages local participation in conservation. The conclusion of the CIFOR study calls into question the traditional view that state-run protected areas represent the best strategy for protecting rainforests. This does not mean that such parks and protected areas are not important, but stresses the potential of conservation strategies that take into account the interests of the people who live in the forests and their ability to play a positive role in conservation.
For more details and information,click here.