• Community Forests

Community forests represent an alternative approach to forest ownership and management, emphasizing the empowerment of local communities in the decision-making processes. By bringing management decisions to the grassroots level, they support local priorities and economic development objectives. These forests foster sustainability, resilience, and social cohesion, serving as hubs for education, culture, and recreation while safeguarding valuable ecosystems.

Community forests encompass multiple benefits for both the ecosystem and the surrounding community, including:

  • Carbon storage and sequestration
  • Local economies and jobs
  • Water quantity and quality
  • Wildfire resilience
  • Environmental justice
  • Biodiversity
  • Recreation
  • Research and education
  • Avoided conversion