Aug 15, 2014
In areas formally overseen by local communities, deforestation rates are lower than in areas overseen by governments or private entities. In Guatemala and Brazil, strong local tenure resulted in deforestation rates 11-20 times lower than outside of formally recognised community forests. In parts of the Mexican Yucatan, the findings were even starker – 350 times lower. About 10-20% of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to deforestation each year.
Carey L Biron, 'Community control of forests could help combat climate change', The Guardian