Community forest management (CFM) is identified by many actors as a core strategy for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+). Others however see REDD+ as a danger to CFM. In response to these contrasting views, we carried out a systematic review of CFM case studies to look at CFM’s potential role in achieving forest carbon benefits and social co-benefits for forest communities. We evaluated the potential impacts of REDD+ on CFM. Our review showed that there is strong evidence of CFM’s role in reducing degradation and stabilizing forested landscapes; however, the review also showed less evidence about the role of CFM in reducing deforestation. For social benefits, we found that CFM contributes to livelihoods, but its effect on poverty reduction may be limited. Also, CFM may not deal adequately with the distribution of benefits within communities or user groups. These insights are important for CFM-based REDD+ intervention; measures should be adopted to overcome these gaps. Innovative incentive structures to existing CFM are discussed. The recognition of rights for forest communities is one first step identified in promoting CFM. We call for sound empirical impact evaluations that analyze CFM and CFM-based REDD+ interventions by looking at both biophysical and social outcomes.

The forest sector in British Columbia (BC) has faced a number of challenges over the past decade. In response to some of those challenges, the government has invested in forest genomic tools. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a biotechnological tool that flags desired traits on the genome. This tool may assist tree breeders with the early selection of preferred genotypes, reducing the breeding cycle and more accurately and efficiently selecting for improved qualities. However, there is a poor understanding of the perceived acceptability of implementing MAS. Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire were employed across participants categorized into four groups. It was found that government and industry participants held positive perceptions towards MAS, supporting its use and continued research in BC, and identifying its benefits in forest regeneration and to tree breeders. Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) and First Nations attitudes lay between neutral and negative. Concerns were most strongly focused on environmental impacts, ecosystem degradation, and reduced genetic diversity, while identified benefits were specific to tree breeders and improved tree resiliency. It was concluded that before MAS can be successfully implemented, an appropriate setting must first be established through improved knowledge of biotechnology and its applications, well-defined policies, and strengthened engagement and consultation with First Nations.

The circular economy (CE) has emerged as an innovative response to the challenges of economic growth and environmental protection. This study aims to establish a portrait of the circular economy within the wood forestry sector in Benin. The methodology includes field surveys through structured interviews in the southern and northern zones and a documentary analysis. Data were collected from direct and political stakeholders to assess their knowledge and practices. A discourse analysis, focusing on internal factors, was used to understand and analyze the motivations of local actors in the use of CE strategies. The results show that the most used strategies are maintenance and repair (52.38%), followed by donation and resale (18%). The motivations mentioned by the actors in the two zones are mainly economic (improving income and limiting expenses) and social (esthetic). However, if most of the actors do not perceive limits to these strategies, others highlight certain weaknesses, including the long process of transforming used goods (19.69%) and the loss of quality of recycled materials (15.44%). To address these weaknesses, alternative strategies, such as eco-design, optimization of operations, loan-exchange, and industrial ecology, are proposed.

LaForêt habitéese présente comme un mode de gestion partenariale, proposé pour favoriser le développement économique local des régions du Québec. L’objectif de cette recherche est de valider le concept de Forêt habitée et d’extraire une définition commune et pratique de la perception des intervenants concernés. Une analyse perceptuelle est réalisée à l’aide de la méthode d’analyse de besoins. Les résultats nous démontrent que les perceptions des acteurs concordent avec le concept de Forêt habitée et la théorie de la gestion partenariale. Également, les perceptions concernant la situation désirable nous indiquent que les répondants adoptent une même définition décomposée à partir des éléments structurants de la Forêt habitée. Toutefois, un constat d’écart est établi entre la vision idéalisée et la réalité telle que perçue par les répondants. Dans l’ensemble, la gestion partenariale, telle que véhiculée par le concept de Forêt habitée, semble constituer une voie praticable aux yeux des intervenants.

Although the circular economy (CE) has emerged as an innovative approach to address the challenges of protecting natural resources, the use of its strategies remains in its infancy, particularly in West Africa. This study examines the factors influencing the use of CE strategies in the wood and forestry sector in Benin. This study relied on a methodological approach based on surveys, using interview guides to collect information in both the southern and northern zones of the country. This information was collected at the level of the different actors directly involved in this sector, to identify the factors that influence the use of CE strategies using Probit models. The results show that access to information, the number of years of professional experience, the age of the actors and the type of training received are the determining factors in the use of these strategies (the models statistically significant at the 1% level). Other factors, such as knowledge of the costs and benefits of different strategies, are also identified as fundamental. Furthermore, a high financial capacity and an excess or overload of information are identified as the limiting factors for the use of these strategies.