The Complex Forest

by Colfer, Carol J. Pierce

• ISBN13: 9781933115139
• ISBN10: 1933115130
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-09-30
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The Complex Forest systematically examines the theory, processes, and early outcomes of a research and management approach called adaptive collaborative management (ACM). An alternative to positivist approaches to development and conservation that assume predictability in forest management, ACM acknowledges the complexity and unpredictability inherent in any forest community and the importance of developing solutions together with the forest peoples whose lives will be most affected by the outcomes. Building on earlier work that established the importance of flexible, collaborative approaches to sustainable forest management, The Complex Forest describes the work of ACM practitioners facing a broad range of challenges in diverse settings and attempts to identify the conditions under which ACM is most effective. Case studies of ACM in 33 forest sites in 11 countries together with Colfer's systematic comparison of results at each site indicate that human and institutional capabilities have been strengthened. In Zimbabwe, for example, the number of women involved in decisionmaking soared. In Nepal, community members detected and sanctioned dishonest community elites. In Cameroon and Bolivia, learning programs resulted in better conflict management. These are early results, but a wide range of recent research supports Colfer's belief that these new capabilities will eventually contribute to higher incomes and to sustainable improvements in the health of forests and forest peoples. The Complex Forest reinforces calls for change in the way we plan conservation and development programs, away from command-and-control approaches, toward ones that require bureaucratic flexibility and responsiveness, as well as greater local participation in setting priorities and problem solving.

Table of Contents

Foreword	iv
Michael Dove
Acknowledgments	xii
Introduction ACM's Intellectual Underpinnings: A Personal Journey	3	(1)
Complexity, Change, and Uncertainty	4	(1)
Seven Analytical Dimensions	5	(1)
Creativity, Learning, and Equity: The Impacts	6	(3)
Devolution	9	(1)
Forest Type and Population Pressure	10	(1)
Management Goals	11	(2)
Human Diversity	13	(1)
Conflict and Social Capital	14	(2)
Catalyzing Creativity, Learning, and Equity	16	(2)
Commentary and Conclusions	18	(2)
Appendix of Cases: Adaptive Collaborative Management in Diverse Contexts	20	(298)
Case 1 Bolivia	20	(1)
Case 2 Brazil---Acre, the Western Amazon	21	(1)
Case 3 Eastern Brazil---Para	21	(1)
Case 4 Cameroon---East	22	(216)
Case 5 Cameroon---Central and South	238	(13)
Case 6 Ghana	251	(6)
Case 7 Indonesia	257	(15)
Case 8 Kyrgyzstan	272	(11)
Case 9 Madagascar	283	(4)
Case 10 Malawi	287	(8)
Case 11 Nepal	295	(9)
Case 12 Philippines	304	(7)
Case 13 Zimbabwe	311	(7)
Notes	318	(8)
References	326	(28)
Acronyms	354	(6)
Glossary	360	(3)
Index	363