The Potential for Community-Based Forest Management in Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Chiapas is among the poorest of Mexico's states and has been characterized by political instability, civil unrest, escalating population and widespread deforestation. Recent history and current land use issues were investigated in two highland communities, Juzanajab and Palma Real, to assess the factors influencing forest management decisions and the potential for sustainable forest use on communally-owned land. The two communities contrasted markedly, Juznajab possessing a larger forest resource, a higher population density, but a lower degree of marginalization. These differences were found to result from the contrasting historical development of the two areas, particularly with respect to the pattern of land use prior to agrarian reform and the impact of agrarian reform itself. More recently, agricultural intensification and intensive timber harvesting have impacted on the forest resources of both communities. The communities also differed in pattern of forest use, five and fourteen different forest products being used in Palma Real and Juznajab, respectively. Results also highlighted the importance of social structure: both communities were highly aware of the danger of social disruption, reflecting the history of conflict in the area. Such concerns encourage a cautious approach to communal resource management, where social security may be valued more highly than economic returns. In terms of the available forest resource, greater potential for community-based management exists in Juznajab than Palma Real. However, social conditions appear to be more conducive to community co-operation in Palma Real. These case studies highlight the significant challenges to community-based forestry which exist in Chiapas. It is suggested that collaborative pilot projects, involving the provision of economic incentives to encourage sustainable forest management, hold greatest promise for future developments in this area.

Key Words:

• Community-based
• forest management
• Chiapas
• Mexico
• rural development
• sustainable
• carbon sequestration
• incentives