Forum Video Clips

Urbanization – a primary driver of deforestation

Dr. Yam Malla, the previous Executive Director of RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests, presided over the Second Regional Forum for People and Forests in Bangkok on August 8-9 2011. Reflecting on developments in the last 30 years in community forestry, he says urbanization is a primary driver of deforestation with rapid population growth posing a major challenge in balancing the increasing demand for food and the need to conserve forests.

For a copy of his full presentation, click here.

Rights are good, but people need cash

David Cassells is RECOFTC’s current Board of Trustees Chairperson. Opening the second day of the Forum, he focused on the fundamental importance of community rights not just for the success of community forestry but for ensuring communities rise above subsistence to engage in better income-generating livelihoods.

“Please buy our carbon”

Ms. Amanda Bradlely is PACT-Cambodia’s REDD+ Project Manager. Together with the Venerable Bun Salouth of the Monk Federation, she shared community voices on REDD perceptions and benefit sharing during the Forum. The refreshing views expressed here are an  important input to policy makers on what local people are saying about REDD, carbon trading and why certain sacrifices by community members are needed to make REDD work.

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