Ecosystems and Poverty

Eldis have summarised the policy implications of a new article that talks about the problems facing small forest enterprises:

Small and medium forest enterprises are the norm in many developing countries. They have much to offer in terms of poverty reduction. But they are often isolated from structures that might help them make that contribution - from markets, financial and business development service providers, and policy processes. This article suggests how to connect small forest enterprises, not only to each other through associations, but also more broadly - to decision-makers, service providers and markets.

The author identifies some key needs for improved coordination between small forest enterprises:

• better representation for small forest enterprises in decision-making - inclusion in policy formation and clearer rules governing association
• stronger networks that link small forest enterprises with financial and business development services - finding innovative ways to make such networks functional and sustainable
• ways of distinguishing, and increasing the returns from, responsible small forest enterprises in the market - new initiatives are needed to build market access for small forest enterprises.

A community that seem to be finding the solution in northern Honduras are exploiting wild mahogony, and have converted from illegal trade in timber into a cooperative who sustainably harvest.  They’re cutting out the middle-men in their enterprise to derive greater income and they’ve even created new partnerships with private companies and are now selling the wood for a toymaking company in the city.  Seems like they have followed the advice of Macqeen.