Devolving Responsibility And Rights Back To The Land Owners
The tenet of the community-based conservation concept is community empowerment for the long term management of their natural heritage. This is in contrast with classical conservation approaches including so-called participatory management approaches. Indeed the process will be considered as successful only if engaged communities become autonomous in dealing with all aspects of ecosystem management. This also encompasses development of alternative livelihoods such as smart cultivation of vegetables and cassava.
In Côte d’Ivoire, government legislation allows for the formation of community-based local institutions to govern the use of natural resources. Legislation also allows for the formation of protected areas owned by individuals or communities. Finally, the establishment of community-managed protected areas still allows residents to utilize natural resources sustainably.
If people own or are entrusted with something they look after it. • If people are involved and have a say, then they will take care of it.