The Community Forestry Enterprise in Mexico: Driving Unit for Sustainable Community Forestry Development

Authors: Alvarez Concepcion L* , Luis Ubaldo Castruita Esparza , Javier Hernandez Salas and Luisa Patricia Uranga Valencia

DOI: 10.23880/jenr-16000403

Volume 9, Issue 1

Abstract

The economic globalization process represents a challenge for Community Forestry Enterprises (CFE) in Mexico, as a key unit for improving sustainable community forestry development. The study was conducted to assess the impact of economic globalization on sustainable community forestry and, specifically, on sustainable community forest enterprises, and to identify strategic mechanisms and policy actions to support their development. The study was carried out in the states of Durango, Chihuahua, Jalisco, and Michoacán—the most important forest-producing states in Mexico, contributing nearly 70% of the national timber production. The main variables analyzed were: current situation, marketing, flexibility and capability, economic diversity, competitiveness, social well-being, and income generation. As a result, an integrated model was developed to promote the empowerment and competitiveness of the Ejidos and Communities and, specifically, community forestry enterprises. This holistic model aims to advance CFE development toward improved competitiveness in the context of globalization. Additionally, the study produced a forest business plan for trading the forest products of the Asociación Regional de Silvicultores Baja Tarahumara, A.C. in Chihuahua State. Multidimensional strategies were also defined for the application of this business plan, advancing development and competitiveness. A key strategy was the establishment of a Rural Production Society to support the implementation of the forest business plan and improve productivity processes within the CFE of the Asociación Regional de Silvicultores. This holistic participatory model is the first of its kind and, therefore, differs from traditional approaches. It provides a framework for promoting a regional development policy tailored to the needs of local communities. The model is flexible and versatile, allowing replication in diverse geographical areas and socio-cultural and economic environments.

Keywords: Sustainable Community Forestry; Forest Business Plan; Forest Competitiveness; Economic Globalization; Holistic Forest Model; Forest Cluster

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