Protected areas (PAs) are frequently the first weapon in a conservationist's toolbox for conserving biodiversity, but they are not always effective. As a result, PA administration has experienced significant change in recent years, including experiments with strictly protected 'fortress conservation' PAs, decentralized and locally administered PAs, and, more recently, the use of market-based systems.
Dr. Loveridge's study indicated that community-led forest governance paired with Forest Stewardship Council certification had a good influence on local human well-being and forest conservation in Eastern Tanzania. Not only that, but the novel governance method reduced gender imbalance and helped to better landscape management, with a particular good impact on nearby national protected areas.
"The most exciting aspect of the research for me is that it demonstrates that, thanks to the hard work of FSC, local NGO Mpingo Conservation Development Initiative, and local communities in coastal Tanzania, the global FSC forest standard has been flexibly but robustly adapted to local conditions to ensure sustainable forest management and an array of local wellbeing benefits," Robin Loveridge said.
He went on to say that the equitable decision-making mechanism allows communities to democratically decide what timber revenues should be spent on in each village, with a wide range of shared community benefits being chosen, ranging from improvements to schools and healthcare facilities to locally led tourism ventures, as well as reinvested in direct forest management activities. As a result, wood income are spent on locally relevant initiatives that address local development needs while also promoting long-term sustainable forest management.
"Scaling out sustainable management and use of forest products is urgently needed to halt the degradation of Africa's natural riches." To maximize the benefits of forest products, countries must particularly roll out excellent policies and sustainable practices across the continent. "The FSC certification provides an innovative people-centered instrument that is beneficial for sustainable forest management," said FSC Africa Regional Director Peter O. Alele.
The full study is available here: The Society for Conservation Biology (wiley.com)