Forestry Commons in the Morocco High Atlas

Abstract

"This paper gives details of the problematics, and defines the issues, in the area of the management of forestry commons in the Maghreb. It then goes on to describe the management methods of forestry commons (control of access, division of resources, development) in an enclosed valley in the Moroccan High Atlas mountains: the Ait Bou Gmez area. We put especial emphasis on the negative consequences, from an environmental point of view (deforestation) of the process of communal deregulation, which is becoming more widespread, and frequently leads to free access to resources. Finally, we underline the necessity of supporting community structures in order to be able to create policies capable of guaranteeing forestry renewal."