Community forest
The role of community is crucial in forest conservation. For generations, Indigenous Karen people have had customary forest protection practices. However, these are not legally recognized and have been in slow decline in many areas of Karen State. KESAN works with local people and the Kawthoolei Forestry Department (KFD) to revitalize these practices and help them established more community forests throughout Karen State with the legal protection of the KFD.
Community Forests are an important tool for biodiversity conservation and sustainable community-driven development. In Karen communities, a community forest is managed by a committee composed of local community members that manage the forest for the benefit of the entire community. Community forests incorporate environmental, social and economic sustainability and focus on local control over local forest resources.
Community Forests in Karen Territories
Video related to Community Forest
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