Community-Based Forest Management in the Philippines: A Preliminary Assessment

Abstract

"The present report is an initial attempt to look into the phenomenon of community participation in forest management and governance in the country, both within and outside the context of the government’s CBFM program. It is the result of several months of literature review and limited site validation of documented and undocumented CBFM experiences. It seeks to characterize the various CBFM models that exist, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and articulate underlying issues that enhance or constrain community participation. In so doing, it hopes to serve as a building block for further research and, hopefully, future positive action that will secure the communities’ access to their natural resource base, ensure the sustainability of their livelihood, and contribute to the increase in number of empowered individuals whose community organizations and institutions reinforce the sustainable use of their resources."