Community Resource Management Research Articles

The impact of community-led conservation models on women's nature-based livelihood outcomes in semi-arid Northern Ghana

With increasing human-induced environmental degradation, women's nature-based livelihood activities are threatened. In semi-arid northern Ghana, shea processing (i.e., shea butter, a derivative of shea nut from the shea tree), a vital women-dominated economic activity, is at risk as naturally occurring shea trees continue to decline in numbers and productivity. The decline of the shea tree's number and productivity and the ensuing biodiversity loss have sparked conservation efforts by governments and local communities. This includes community-led conservation models, which have recently gained traction in the Global South. Ghana implemented the Community Resource Management Areas (CREMA)—a community-led conservation model to improve biodiversity and ecosystem services, including shea trees conservation in response to climate change. Research has not explored the impacts of community-led conservation efforts on women’s nature-based livelihoods in Ghana. Using a mixed-methods approach involving surveys (n = 517) and focus group discussions (n = 8), this study explored shea productivity outcomes under CREMAs. Findings show that women residing in CREMAs had significantly better shea harvesting outcomes than those outside CREMAs (α = −53.725; P < 0.01). These findings demonstrate the potential for targeted conservation initiatives that are community-led, such as the CREMAs, to improve the conservation of economically significant naturally occurring trees like Shea. With the increasing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, such models would be instrumental in achieving sustainable development goals like SDG5-gender equality, SDG10-reduced inequalities, SDG13-Climate action, SDG14-life below water, and SDG14-life on land.

Non-Timber Forest Products: an alternative source of rural income

Dandapakhar, in Sindhu Palchok District of Nepal, was the focus area for the Nepal Australia Community Resource Management Project to undertake action research on the potential of NTFPs as a source of rural income. The area is located along the Jiri Road at an altitude between 2000 and 3000 meters, and is rich in natural broad-leaved forest harboring a large variety of indigenously occurring species having medicinal, aromatic and other values. The species occurring in Dandapakhar have both traditional and non-traditional uses and (the potential to) command, in some cases, significant market prices, not only locally, but also in Kathmandu andthe international market.

Power and participation: A systematic review of marine protected area engagement through participatory science Methods

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a critical part of the marine resource management community’s toolbox in seeking a sustainable and vibrant global ocean system. The processes of community engagement with MPAs, however, are rooted in pre-existing power dynamics inherent in environmental governance systems and influenced by historical contexts of colonialism. Marine governance has historically operated in a top-down manner, imposing exclusionary forms of conservation on local communities without affording them equitable power in the process. Meaningful engagement of community members in MPAs has been suggested as one of the key enabling conditions that drive successful marine protection. Specifically, participatory science methods have the potential to engage local communities, elevate local voices and expertise, and strengthen both local communities and scientific learning. This systematic scoping review assesses the peer-reviewed literature to understand the quality and nature of participatory science methods that have been used to engage communities in MPAs. The review highlights that, while participatory science methods are not uncommon in MPAs, they seldom challenge existing power dynamics. The results of this review show that power in MPA processes related to participatory science is generally retained by conventional researchers and MPA managers. Based on these findings, the authors provide recommendations to marine resource management researchers and practitioners to help the ocean governance community support greater power sharing with local communities through equitable and locally appropriate participatory science methods.

How can communities better prepare for future disasters? Learning from the tourism community resilience model from Bali, Indonesia

PurposeThe impact of COVID-19 on tourism destinations has been severe, but a future crisis is never far away. How communities can better prepare for disasters to come in the near future continues to be researched. This research aims to understand the tourism community’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and present the Tourism Community Resilience Model as a useful instrument to help communities better respond to disasters in the future.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a qualitative research approach which seeks to understand phenomena, events, social activities, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and individual and group opinions that are dynamic in character in accordance with the situation in the field. Research primary data is in the form of Kuta Traditional Village local community responses in enduring the COVID-19 pandemic conducted between January and May 2022. These data were obtained through in-depth observations and interviews involving informants based on purposive sampling, including traditional community leaders, village officials, tourism actors (i.e. street vendors, tourist local guides, taxi drivers and art workers) and tourism community members. We selected the informants who are not only directly impacted by the pandemic, but also some of them have to survive during the pandemic because they do not have other job options. The results of previous research and government data concerning the pandemic and community resilience were needed as secondary data, which were obtained through a study of the literature. The data which had been obtained were further analysed based on the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) technique, which seeks to make meaning of something from the participants’ perspective and the researchers’ perspective as a result there occurs a cognition of a central position.FindingsBased on findings from Bali, Indonesia, this resilience model for the tourism community was created in response to the difficulties and fortitude shown by the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It comprises four key elements, namely the Local Wisdom Foundation, Resource Management, Government Contributions and External Community Support. These elements are all rooted in the concepts of niskala (spirituality) and sekala (real response); it is these elements that give the tourism community in the Kuta Traditional Village a unique approach, which can inspire other tourism destinations in other countries around the world.Research limitations/implicationsA tourism community resilience model based on local community responses has implications for the process of enriching academic research and community management practices in facing future crisis, particularly by involving local wisdom foundation.Practical implicationsA tourism community resilience model based on local community responses has implications for the process of enriching academic research and community management practices in facing future crisis, particularly by involving local wisdom foundation.Social implicationsThe existence of the resilience model strengthens local community social cohesion, which has been made stronger by the bonds of culture and shared faith in facing disaster. This social cohesion then stimulates the strength of sustainable and long-term community collaboration in the post-pandemic period. For tourism businesses, having strong connections with the local communities is an important condition to thrive.Originality/valueThe value of this research is the Tourism Resilience Community Model, which is a helpful tool to optimise and improve future strategies for dealing with disasters. Illustrated by this Balinese example, this paper emphasises the importance of adding social factors such as niskala and sekala to existing community resilience models. Addressing these local characteristics is the innovative aspect of this paper and will help inspire communities around the world to prepare for future disasters better and build more sustainable and resilient tourism destinations elsewhere.

Perceptions and reality in fisher coexistence with aquatic predators in the Peruvian Amazon

AbstractHumans and large aquatic predators compete for fish and negative interactions are widely reported as ‘human–wildlife conflicts’. When aquatic predators are perceived to damage fisheries or fishing equipment, lethal control can occur. The perceptions and reality of damage are infrequently compared, but this relationship is key to determining how negative outcomes can be mitigated. We examine coexistence between people and six large aquatic piscivores (two caiman, two dolphins, two otters) in Amazonian Peru. We determine the extent of damage to fishing equipment caused by each species and compare this to the amount of damage perceived by fishers. Giant otter populations have recently recovered in some areas, so we expected different perceptions relating to experiences with otters. We trained fishers to complete fishing registers (n = 278, 1173 h of fishing) to record damage to nets by wildlife. We interviewed 302 people from three sites to determine perceptions of damage by predators, and attitudes towards giant otters. Rates of damage to nets reflected the presence and populations of different aquatic predators at each site, but when present, dolphins and caimans damaged nets more than otters, which rarely damaged nets. People living where giant otters had recently recovered perceived higher relative levels of damage to nets by them and had more negative attitudes about them, compared to people from areas where giant otters had been present for longer, aquatic predators were more abundant, and community resource management was longer‐established. Better knowledge and more experience with a species may lead to more accurate perceptions of damage and increased tolerance. Where humans and animals compete for natural resources, conflict mitigation rarely includes better resource management. If tolerance of predators is greater where predators are common, and resources have not been overexploited, resource management may yield greater gains for stakeholders than other commonly prescribed forms of mitigation.

Assessing the accuracy of OpenET satellite-based evapotranspiration data to support water resource and land management applications

Remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ET) data offer strong potential to support data-driven approaches for sustainable water management. However, practitioners require robust and rigorous accuracy assessments of such data. The OpenET system, which includes an ensemble of six remote sensing models, was developed to increase access to field-scale (30 m) ET data for the contiguous United States. Here we compare OpenET outputs against data from 152 in situ stations, primarily eddy covariance flux towers, deployed across the contiguous United States. Mean absolute error at cropland sites for the OpenET ensemble value is 15.8 mm per month (17% of mean observed ET), mean bias error is −5.3 mm per month (6%) and r2 is 0.9. Results for shrublands and forested sites show higher inter-model variability and lower accuracy relative to croplands. High accuracy and multi-model convergence across croplands demonstrate the utility of a model ensemble approach, and enhance confidence among ET data practitioners, including the agricultural water resource management community.

Empowerment and disempowerment in community-based natural resource management: Examining CREMA outcomes in Ghana

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) schemes are intended to achieve social and environmental outcomes, although many cases around the world show that CBNRM schemes are achieving more on their environmental goals rather than their social ones. In this paper, we examined the outcomes of Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs) in Ghana using Scheyven’s four-dimension framework of empowerment and disempowerment. Examining three case studies, we found that CREMAs emphasize conservation, which may contribute to social and psychological empowerment. However, there is a political and economic empowerment deficit as CREMAs fail to provide economic returns to rural groups or position them to exercise self-determination over their resources. We suggest that approaches strengthening the resource rights may support CBNRMs to realize community empowerment.

Role of Communal Consumptive Natural Resources Management Approach in Addressing Community Economic Benefit in Western Tanzania

The role of consumptive natural resources management in addressing community economic benefit in West Tanzania is much likely less known. This study was carried out to assess the impact of communal consumptive natural resources management on community economic benefit. A four-point numerical scale survey questionnaire was administered to 400 respondents, and an interview guide was administered to 40 Key Informants. Quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed by Excel framing summarizing technique. The research findings indicated that communal consumptive natural resources management had a close to strong correlation and significant positive impact on community economic benefit (CEB). The linear relationship between the communal natural resources management approach and community economic benefit (CEB)Pearson (r) covariance statistical relationship correlation coefficient result was Pearson -r (733) = .73, p&lt;.001. The positive Pearson (r) above 0.7 implied that the relationship was a strong correlation. The impact of the communal natural resources management approach on community economic benefit (CEB) was calculated through multiple linear regression. Multiple linear regression coefficient B= 1.43 at 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.34, 1.53; p=0.000. The result implied that an increase of one unit of the communal consumptive model was associated with a positive increase of 1.43 CEB. The positive increase in CEB suggests that the communal consumptive natural resources management approach significantly impacts community economic benefit (CEB). It is recommended that to maximize community economic benefit (CEB), communal consumptive natural resources management approaches should be focused on and given significant attention. Moreover, to maximize community economic benefit (CEB), an integrated hybrid combo of consumptive approaches such as sustainable timber, and non-consumptive approaches such as avoided deforestation and increased sequestration carbon credit is recommended for terrestrial natural resources management in western Tanzania.

Towards more inclusive community landscape governance: Drivers and assessment indicators in northern Ghana

Community-based approaches to landscape governance are considered more legitimate, equitable, and inclusive ways to manage natural resources and more effective in achieving conservation and livelihood goals than centralised and top-down approaches. In Ghana, the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission devolved decision-making authority over natural resources through the Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) governance system. While there is a growing body of literature on the CREMA governance model, few studies have examined the inclusiveness of its decision-making processes. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the drivers that hinder or foster the inclusiveness of community governance in the Western Wildlife Corridor of northern Ghana and developing a set of inclusivity assessment indicators. Based on data collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations, we found that several stakeholder groups remain at the margins of the CREMA governance system and feel excluded, particularly Fulani herders, women, and youth. Based on our findings and the literature, we present a set of assessment indicators for inclusive CREMA governance. However, these indicators are unlikely to be fully met because of persisting socio-cultural barriers and power asymmetries. We argue that measures such as capacity building, empowering marginalised social groups, promoting their participation in decision-making, and a bottom-up approach towards creating CREMAs are needed to improve the inclusiveness of CREMA governance. Beyond the CREMAs, the inclusivity indicators developed in this study have broad applicability to environmental and landscape governance.

Hydrogeochemical assessment of aquifer salinization in north-eastern Morocco's Gueroaou coastal plain using statistical methods

The Guerouaou aquifer investigation spanning 280 km2 in Ain Zohra yields promising outcomes, instilling optimism for regional water quality. These analyses were applied to 45 sampling instances from 43 wells, enabling a comprehensive water quality assessment. Groundwater conductivity ranged from medium to high, peaking at 18360 ms/cm2. The conductivity reveals insights about the groundwater's mineralization. Key physiochemical parameters fell within desirable thresholds, bolstering the positive perspective. HCO3− levels spanned 82–420 mg/L, while chloride content ranged from 38 to 5316 mg/L, benefiting water quality. NO3− ions, vital for gauging pollution, ranged from 0 to 260 mg/L, indicating favorable results. Cation concentrations exhibited encouraging variations: Ca2+- 24 to 647 mg/L, Mg2+- 12 to 440 mg/L, Na+- 18 to 2722 mg/L, K+- 1.75 to 28.65 mg/L. These collectively favor water quality. Halite breakdown dominated mineralization, as evidenced by the prevalence of Na–Cl–Na–SO4 facies. Water resource management and local communities need effective management and mitigation strategies to prevent saltwater intrusion.

Partisipasi Politik dalam Pembangunan Desa di Kecamatan Sayan Kabupaten Melawi

The Politics of Empowering the Community in village development in the Sayan District is crucial in enhancing active citizen participation in the policy-making process, decision-making, and implementation of village development programs. Political participation in the Sayan District can take the form of direct participation through village meetings, participation through representative mechanisms, as well as participation through collective action and advocacy. Strong political participation can reinforce the independence of the village in managing natural, social, and economic resources in the Sayan District. Through political participation, residents can voice their interests and aspirations, making policies and village development programs more responsive to the needs and expectations of the residents. Additionally, political participation can also improve accountability and transparency in village financial management and the development of village infrastructure in the Sayan District. However, there are challenges in promoting political participation in villages in the Sayan District, such as the lack of awareness among the community about the importance of political participation, limited access to information, and the insufficient skills and capacities of the community in managing village resources. Therefore, efforts are needed to strengthen community political participation in the Sayan District, including enhancing political literacy, developing inclusive participation mechanisms, and empowering village communities in sustainable resource management

Ecotourism Management of Green Leaves of Mangroves Perspective of Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah Yusuf al-Qardawi

Insufficient public awareness and comprehension of coastal natural resource management limited public education, community characteristics, and economic pressures frequently lead to coastal communities causing harm to the coastal environment. The utilization of coastal resources can be achieved through the implementation of coastal tourism. Ecotourism is a novel form of alternative tourism that has emerged as a response to the traditional model of tourism. This traditional model often exploits natural resources without considering their long-term sustainability and disregards the well-being of local populations. This study employs a qualitative research methodology that utilizes a descriptive approach, drawing upon both primary and secondary data sources. This study demonstrates a correlation between the environment and religion. Ecotourism management must adhere to Islamic principles. Maqāṣid al-syarī'ah represents the fundamental principles of Islamic teachings that guide the creation of laws with a focus on the welfare and advantage of humanity. Conducting economic activities must align with the maqāṣid al-syarī'ah, which are the objectives of Islamic law, aimed at preserving al-mabadi al-khamsah, the five essential principles. The name of the place is "Green Leaf Mangrove". Ecotourism Management encompasses initiatives focused on the preservation of mangroves, coral reefs, and turtles, as well as activities promoting conservation education, beach cleaning, and garbage processing. These programs are designed to align with the concepts of maqāṣid al-syariah, ensuring environmental management in accordance with Islamic values.

Strategy for Restoration and Increasing the Sustainability of Fish Resources: A Holistic Analysis in Fisheries Management

This research aims to design a comprehensive strategy to restore and improve the sustainability of fish resources. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we investigate the impacts of environmental change, fishing patterns and economic sustainability on fish populations. We also consider social aspects, including impacts on the livelihoods of fishing communities and the involvement of local communities in fisheries management. Ecological studies include evaluating the condition of marine ecosystems, assessing risks to biodiversity, and identifying sustainable fishing practices. From an economic perspective, we evaluate operational efficiency, analyze costs related to conservation policies, and opportunities for sustainable economic development in the fisheries sector. Social aspects are analyzed through surveys and direct interaction with fishing communities. We identify the impact of fisheries management policies on livelihoods, understand the social dynamics of coastal communities, and explore opportunities to strengthen the role of communities in fish resource management. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide a basis for developing policies that are sustainable and can be widely applied in the context of fisheries management. This research not only focuses on restoring fish resources but also on improving the welfare of coastal communities, creating harmony between ecological, economic and social sustainability.

Vangunu giant rat (Uromys vika) survives in the Zaira Community Resource Management Area, Solomon Islands.

Described in 2017 and known only from the holotype, Uromys vika is surely among the world's least studied rodents. This critically endangered species is facing a rapidly increasing scale for threat from logging of its primary lowland forest habitat, on the only island on which it occurs-Vangunu, Solomon Islands. However, a deep traditional ecological knowledge of U. vika is held by Vangunu's people. Using camera traps and guided by this knowledge, we aimed to make additional records of U. vika in the last major block of Vangunu's primary forest. We successfully captured 95 images of what we postulate is four different individuals. The forests at Zaira represent the last suitable habitat remaining for this species, and recent development consent for logging at Zaira will lead to its extinction if permitted to proceed.

School management in early education centers in Ecuador

Introduction. Early Education Centers in Ecuador play a crucial role in providing quality education to children from 0 to 5 years of age, offering a range of services, including early childhood care, education, and nutrition, to ensure the comprehensive development of children. Effective school management is crucial to successful operation, involving the coordination and integration of various aspects of the center, including curriculum development, teacher training, assessment, and evaluation. Some challenges include poverty, malnutrition, limited access to resources, and inadequate infrastructure. However, the education provided in Ecuador's Early Education Centers ensures that all children have access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Objective. Studying the impact of school management in early childhood education centers in Ecuador. Methodology. The methodology for conducting literature review research involves analyzing, synthesizing, and critically evaluating the existing literature on school management in schools. Below I provide a basic structure for describing the methodology of a literature review study: a. Define the scope and objectives. b. Selection of databases and sources of information. c. Inclusion and exclusion criteria. d. Search strategy, selection, and extraction of data. e. Analysis and synthesis of data. f. Presentation of results. g. Conclusions and recommendations. h. Bibliography. Results. The following results are presented: 1. Leadership and vision in school management. 2. Staffing and professional development. 4. Student assessment and evaluation. 5. Parent and community involvement. 6. Budgeting and resource management. Integration of technology in school management. 7. Legal and ethical aspects of school management. Conclusion. Effective school management is crucial to the success of early childhood education centers in Ecuador. The people who lead these institutions must develop an unclouded vision, set goals and objectives, and foster a positive school culture. This requires resources such as curriculum, staffing and professional development, student assessment and evaluation, parent and community involvement, budget and resource management, technology integration, and legal and ethical issues are important aspects of school management that must be addressed. General area of study: Education. Specific Area of Study: School management.

Stakeholder Perceptions on Landscape Governance in Northern Ghana: A Q-Study to Identify Common Concern Entry Points for Integrated Landscape Approaches.

In a landscape, perceptions can influence people's actions and behavior toward natural resource use. Improving landscape governance, therefore, requires understanding the different concerns of stakeholders operating within the landscape. This paper analyzes the perceptions of local stakeholders-local landscape users, practitioners engaged in conservation and sustainable resource use, and private actors-regarding the landscape governance system, using the Q-methodology to identify common concern entry points for the implementation of a landscape approach in the Western Wildlife Corridor (WWC) in northern Ghana. To this end, individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with local communities and organizations operating in three Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs). They identified destructive livelihood activities, constrained livelihoods, and a weak governance system as the main challenges, and the need to balance livelihoods with conservation, strengthening landscape governance through the CREMA initiative, and awareness raising as the main solutions. Thus, the Q-method allowed identifying common concern entry points regarding landscape challenges, governance issues, and potential solutions. I argue that consensus among stakeholders regarding these challenges and solutions could lay the groundwork for a multi-stakeholder process in the area, which could help foster the implementation of an integrated landscape approach in the WWC landscape. It is crucial to support the livelihoods of local people to reduce pressures on natural resources. It is also important to strengthen the functioning of local CREMA management bodies with technical, logistical, and financial support. Implementing a participatory monitoring and evaluation mechanism is critical in this regard.

E-Gram Panchayath

A student initiative called "E-Gram Panchayath" seeks to modernize and digitize the operations of rural local government entities, particularly gram panchayats in India. The project's objective is to provide a web-based platform that will help gram panchayats carry out their obligations and responsibilities, such as the administration of local development, management of community resources, and provision of public services projects. The platform will offer a variety of functions, such as online complaint forms and a platform for accessing official data and papers, tools for monitoring the progression of requests, and development initiatives. The project's objective is to increase the accountability, openness, and efficiency of gram better outcomes for the communities they serve as a result of panchayats.

STRATEGI PEMERINTAH DAERAH DALAM PENANGGULANGAN KEMISKINAN PASCA PANDEMI COVID-19 PERSPEKTIF EKOLOGI MANAJEMEN DI KABUPATEN NIAS

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Abstract. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on poverty in Nias District. This research explores the strategies adopted by the Nias Regency Government in overcoming post-pandemic poverty, taking into account the management ecological perspective. The choice of this topic is based on the urgency of tackling poverty as a socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This research method uses a qualitative approach, including in-depth interviews with stakeholders and the public as well as direct observation. The results of the study revealed that the local government of Nias Regency has implemented various strategies, such as strengthening the local economy, providing social assistance to the community. Management ecology is integrated into the strategy, with a focus on sustainable natural resource management and active community participation. The results of this study underscore the importance of a poverty alleviation strategy by the Nias district government. Implementation of an ecology-based strategy can increase community resilience to the poverty crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as create jobs and community economic recovery. This conclusion emphasizes the need for a holistic approach in post-pandemic policies to ensure economic, social and environmental sustainability in Nias District .&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

CREATIVE AGRICULTURAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT MODEL FOR PRACHARATH BANG BAI MAI FLOATING MARKET, BANG BAI MAI SUB-DISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, SURAT THANI PROVINCE

This research aimed to: 1) study concepts and models of creative agricultural tourism management; 2) study factors affecting the behavior of creative agricultural tourism in Pracharath Bang Bai Mai Floating Market; and 3) propose a model for creative agricultural tourism management at Pracharat Bang Bai Mai Floating Market.The data were collected using a questionnaire asking 400 participants. A focus group, observation and interview were used to collect data and descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. 1) The tourism management model is not yet aligned with the needs and behaviors of tourists. The condition of the community area is limited. There are quite a few people who will inherit the knowledge/local wisdom. Most of the activities focus on training rather than learning and exchanging experiences that are delivered to tourists. 2) Factors that affect tourism behavior are: personal factors, economic factors social/cultural factors, technology/innovation factors, public relations factor and tourism infrastructure factors. 3) Tourists are interested in the form of agricultural tourism routes that combine agricultural communities.The results of this research can be used as :1) a guideline for policy formulation to promote tourism and income distribution to the community; 2) a guideline for community resource and tourism management ;3) as a guideline for preserving and inheriting local wisdom from generation to generation; 4) a guideline for creating careers and creating value for the community from creative agritourism, and; 5) a role model for creative agritourism.

Sustainable land management policy to address land degradation: linking old forest management practices in Senegal with new REDD+ requirements

Prior to the UN Policy framework REDD+, the Government of Senegal (GoS) initiated for many decades, important land management programs to address deforestation and land degradation which affects the country’s food production, ecosystem benefits and livelihoods. A lot of investment and policies have been implemented in various ecologies to improve tree cover and ecosystem services. Reviewing and analyzing the past and present tree recovery actions that are consistent with REDD + policy, this paper explores the way REDD + initiative could play a role in consolidating land management strategies in non-forested area. We use a method based on the wide range of experience of the Senegalese Forest Service, forest development projects and NGOs involved in the management of natural resources and a review of seven selected forestry projects/programs through the country, We found many opportunities for Senegal in implementing REDD + activities (e.g., tree plantation, agroforestry, bush fires management, soil erosion control, sustainable intensification, ecosystem (carbon) and socio-economic (livelihoods) services, etc.). Based on the lessons learned from early land restoration and management projects, the REDD + program could take stock from existing tools and frameworks to advance the agenda and leap in the country’s preparedness as a REDD + country. For that, the national context dictates an expansion of REDD scope 5 (enhancement of forest carbon stock) to AFOLU and afforestation/reforestation and trees outside of forest, which means moving REDD + from LULUCF to AFOLU. The GoS needs to address two (02) key areas: 1) the land ownership issue by pursuing the land tenure reform and integrate regulations about who has access to land, who can benefit from land use services and how the benefits sharing and carbon rights must be organized and; 2) the promotion of more engagement of local communities in forest resource management through community forestry and the sustainable practices of agriculture, forestry and agroforestry.