摘要：Decentralization of forest governance has been promoted as a way to conserve forests more effectively, whilealso improving rural and forest-dependent livelihoods. Prior to assessing the consequences of this decentralization trend, thereis a need to critically examine the degree to which decentralization of forest management decision making is actually happening.In particular, it is unclear whether communities are securing legal authority and/or decision-making power over the forests onwhich they depend. This study uses case studies of community forestry in Brazil and Mexico to examine the amount of decision-making power communities and smallholders have received over forest resources. A framework for assessment is developedthat identifies criteria of relevance to community members' rights and day-to-day activities. We found that in both countries thegovernment maintains significant control over forest resources through heavy regulation of extraction, but that communitieshave increasing control over day-to-day forest management decisions. We conclude by posing questions on the appropriatelevels of decentralization for optimal outcom
关键词：Brazil; community forestry; decentralization; forest-dependent communities; forest management authority; Mexico
