Several factors underscore the relevance of discussions on the relationships among sustainable forest management (SFM), forest governance, REDD+ and livelihoods. Forests in Latin America are home to millions of people who depend directly on forest resources for their livelihoods. Current deforestation rates and their external drivers deprive these people of essential resources. At the same time, poverty drives deforestation and forest degradation in many places: Poor communities change the way they use land to improve their lives. Forest policies and instruments can affect how REDD+ projects and their outcomes provide incentives for preservation of forests while reducing poverty. Read More
