Global COE Program - Kyoto University - In Search of Sustainable Humanosphere in Asia and Africa

Date:October 11 (Thu.)　－　12(Fri.)，2007
Venue:Kyoto International Community House (http://www.kcif.or.jp/en/index.html)

Forest Stewardship and Community Empowerment: Local Commons in Global Context

In the developing countries, 25% of forest area is currently being managed by communities, as “community forests” in a broad sense. This area has doubled during the past 15 years, and is forecast to double again in the next 15. The increase in the number of “community forests” is derived from the idea that by making forests community property, their multi-functionality can be maximized. It is not a new idea, considering that many forests were in fact shared in the past. More specifically, they belonged to all and to no one at the same time, and thus were under a form of “general ownership.” However, with modernization, the ownership of forests was clarified in statutory form, and the multi-functionality began to be neglected. “The significance of forests” depends on one’s position. There are times when interests collide. Under such circumstances, the forest’s “owners” begin to pursue their own profits, and the long-term profits that the future of the earth as a whole depend upon were neglected, as can be seen by the loss of the public function of forests. This degradation of forests is a classic example of the “tragedy of the commons,” where a handful of people pursue short-term profits while human beings as whole suffer in the long term. Movements to “revive community forests” around the world are based on reflection on these past actions. At this symposium, after examining past methods for managing community forests, such as Japanese iriai community forests, we will discuss how to maintain and utilize community forests in today’s context. In order to maintain community forests and to use them in a sustainable way, a “sound” community is an absolute necessity. Communities differ from one another. Therefore, we will hear reports on the realities of community forests in different places such as India, Mexico, China, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Based upon these presentations, we hope to share ways for global community forests, and ideas similar to that of a global commons. (from the seminar announcement)