Some Definitions of Community Forestr y Introduction Community forestry has become a popular movement, challenging foresters to change their thinking. Despite these and other obstacles, community forestry also offers opportunity. Local people, who are often blamed for the destruction of the forest, have the opportunity to establish a long-term source of income.
Foresters have the opportunity to rediscover the grassroots of their profession.
And nations have the opportunity to develop a forest-based industry which has widespread community support. When community forestry is initiated by an outside agency, the key is undoubtedly partnership. Perhaps, like sustainable development, community forestry should be seen as a process - a process of increasing the involvement of and reward for local people, of seeking balance between outside and community interests and of increasing local responsibility for the management of the forest resource. Also, like sustainable development, community forestry should be a learning experience for all involved parties. Whether or not it leads to better forest management is an arguable point - but in some places it may well be the last chance for the forests.