Protecting Open Areas and Establishing Community Forest Reserves

The Protecting Open Areas and Establishing Community Forest Reserves project aimed to mobilize communities to preserve biodiversity hotspots by establishing community forest reserves.

Through the creation of forest reserves, critical habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna are protected, thereby safeguarding the ecological integrity of the area. Community involvement ensures that resource extraction activities within the reserves are conducted sustainably, preventing overexploitation and habitat degradation. By promoting alternative livelihood strategies such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and non-timber forest product harvesting, the project aims to alleviate pressure on natural resources while providing economic opportunities for local communities.  

The project facilitates capacity-building initiatives to empower communities with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective reserve management, including biodiversity monitoring, fire prevention, and conflict resolution. Many indigenous and local communities have deep cultural connections to their surrounding landscapes. By involving them in conservation efforts, the project respects and preserves traditional knowledge and practices, contributing to cultural resilience and identity.  

Through a participatory approach, the POAECFR project seeks to mobilize communities as active agents of change in the conservation landscape. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders and leveraging the expertise and resources of multiple partners, the project endeavors to create a network of community forest reserves that serve as beacons of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in a rapidly changing world.