Forest Utilization in the Sierra Juarez,Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

As one of the most diverse biological regions in the seasonal tropics, Oaxaca's main management challenge is balancing sustainable forest harvesting with preserving biological diversity, especially challenging for a village community with limited resources—both economic and technical. A closer look at the history of forest management activities in Sierra Juarez shows exploitative practices by Fabricas de Papel Tuxtapec (FAPATUX), a national paper manufacturer. In 1956, FAPATUX acquired a 25 year concession to harvest the communal forests of Ixtlán. Despite the success of the communities in working with FAPATUX and influencing the management of the communal lands, the communities eventually demanded greater control over the lands and sought to prevent the continuation of the concessions. Since then, communal forest management has sought to achieve two primary goals: (1) to provide economic returns and employment, and (2) to steward the land responsibly and sustainably. Their management plan has evolved into the manipulation of standard silvicultural procedures and their integration with traditional agricultural practices. The management of the timber resources in Ixtlán will continue to be a dynamic process. Having the flexibility to respond to failures and ever-changing conditions will ensure that Ixtlán will adapt its management and silvicultural systems over time to achieve its objectives.