Local stakeholder perceptions of forest degradation: Keys to sustainable tropical forest management

Land use policies and planning in Latin America have been partially successful in halting deforestation yet have not stopped forest degradation. Here, we study the different stakeholders' perspectives of the drivers of forest degradation. We use Colombia as a case study for understanding synergies and trade-offs of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and analyzed what the most important causes are, to whom it matters, and their regional contribution. We identified a common perception, but miscommunication and misunderstandings occur between local- and national-level actors in terms of their views on responsibilities and rates of change. The results are a call for action. Cross-scale governance is necessary to improve the design and implementation of policies for forest management at the subnational and local levels and to ensure that we move toward sustainable development without worsening existing inequalities. It is essential that countries provide the enabling conditions to develop a coherent governing framework. [GRAPHICS]

Automated summary

Land use policies in Latin America have been somewhat successful in stopping deforestation, but forest degradation continues. This study focuses on understanding the perspectives of different stakeholders regarding the drivers of forest degradation in Colombia. Miscommunication and misunderstandings between local and national actors regarding responsibilities and rates of change were identified. The findings highlight the need for cross-scale governance and the improvement of forest management policies at subnational and local levels to promote sustainable development and address existing inequalities.