Are forests an optimal livelihood source for forest communities? Varieties of community forest management experiences in the Maya forest

Abstract: This doctoral research conducts a socioeconomic analysis of forest-based labor in the Maya Forest of Central America, focusing on the opportunity costs faced by community members amidst rising tourism and urbanization. It further identifies which sectors of the community bear these costs. The study's relevance is underscored by the proliferation of community forest management projects globally, particularly in tropical regions like the Maya Forest. Many of these areas, especially in Latin America, face increasing tourism and urbanization, offering more attractive livelihood alternatives to the communities. Accordingly, community forest management, which relies on economic incentives for conservation, is increasingly challenged by alternative livelihood sources. Analyzing this competition is crucial for designing effective community-based forest conservation strategies that consider the realities and perspectives of community members when configuring their livelihood strategies. Therefore, the primary inquiry of the research is whether forest management and utilization can offer an optimal livelihood option for forest-dwelling communities. "Optimal" refers to the choice that yields maximum utility. The study employs decision-making theory and utility theory to examine factors influencing community livelihood strategies in forest-accessible areas. It aims to determine under what circumstances community members opt for forest-based livelihood activities over other alternatives, bearing opportunity costs in both financial and non-financial forms ...

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Universität Freiburg, Dissertation, 2024

Classification and Topics

• Keyword: Community forestry

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2024
• Creator: Sosa Gomez, Cynthia
• Contributor: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Institut für Forstwissenschaften ; Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Fakultät für Umwelt und Natürliche Ressourcen

Further information

• DOI: 10.6094/UNIFR/246784
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2467844
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 25.03.2025, 1:49 PM CET