| European
Tropical Forest Research Network |
ECOLOGICAL
DEMOCRACY IN THE SIERRA NORTE OF OAXACA, MEXICO
By Ross E. Mitchell
Introduction: Setting
the Research Agenda
La Cumbre, about
20 kilometres from the city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, is gateway to one
of the world's richest pine and oak forest ecosystems. Often shrouded in a blanket
of clouds, La Cumbre belongs to the municipality of Santa Catarina Ixtepeji
(2,532 inhabitants, Census 2000; 1880 m.a.s.l.), one of two research communities
selected for my dissertation field research. The other community is Santa Maria
Yavesia (460 inhabitants, Census 2000; 2000 m.a.s.l.), about 45 minutes from
Ixtlán. Both belong to the Sierra Norte, or Sierra Juárez mountain
chain - the Northern Mountains of Oaxaca. The Sierra Norte region is also the
most ethnically diverse state in Mexico with 17 distinct language groups.
Field research on "Ecological Democracy and Forest-dependent Communities of Oaxaca, Mexico"(www.re.ualberta.ca/students/graduate/students/Mitchell.asp for further details) was carried out from May through December 2002. Ecological Democracy may be thought of as an alternative democratic model that attempts to incorporate all interested citizens into decision-making, and strives for the equitable distribution of ecological amenities such as water, air, plants, and trees. Main issues include: (1) the degree to which perceptions of threats to local control over forest resources, and any environmental degradation that may ensue, can politically motivate rural people in mountain communities; and (2) whether rural political involvement leads to increased access to, or control over, forest resources.
Sustainable Forestry
and Local Democracy in the Sierra Norte
As in most rural
communities of Mexico, the natural environment is an integral aspect of the
daily life of communities such as Ixtepeji and Yavesia. Previously, most economic
benefits obtained from Ixtepeji's almost 19,000-hectare forest went to a parastatal
company (FAPATUX) that was granted a 25-year timber harvesting concession. Much
of Ixtepeji's forests were selectively logged under the mistaken notion that
smaller, often stunted, pine trees left would adequately regenerate once the
high quality large trees were removed. When Ixtepeji regained control of its
forest resources in 1983, new methods favouring natural regeneration and planted
pine trees were tried.
Today, logging operations are done with relatively little ecological damage. Forest products not only include timber but also many non-timber products: ornamental wild plant collection, wild mushroom harvesting, spring bottled water, pine resin tapping, and provision of ecotourism services. Local women participate and even direct many activities, and all of these are under the authorization of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). Carefully prepared plans have been produced with the assistance of community forest workers and a professional forester. Ixtepeji's forests were certified in 2001 by SmartWood/Rainforest Alliance on behalf of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Still, many challenges remain. For example, illegal deer hunting has continued even under constant community vigilance. Over half of the timber harvested is sold as roundwood due to insufficient capacity in the community sawmill. Yet the community is cognizant of these issues and is working to improve its forest management practices.
Unlike Ixtepeji, Yavesia has persistently refused to commercially log its forests. Many Yavesia residents express their understanding of how their water, soils, and forests are inextricably linked, and must be preserved forever. As one resident explained, "There is an ecological tranquility here that you can't find in many parts of the country. Mexico is destroying its forest resources, but here in Yavesia we have always conserved our forests ever since our ancestors left us this natural heritage."
Yavesia shares the same 27,000-hectare land base with Pueblos Mancomunados, a cluster that includes two other municipalities, Amatlán and Lachatao, and five smaller towns. Unfortunately, Yavesia has never been comfortable with this shared land arrangement. Most residents justify their continued struggle to achieve autonomy and one-third of the land base (9,140 hectares) as necessary to protect their forests. They say they have no intention to engage in commercial logging but want to focus instead on water production and ecotourism. Still, firewood collection, charcoal production, small-scale logging by local carpenters, ecotourism, and bottled spring water production all impact the local forests. Many trees are suffering from mountain pine beetle infestations, and at least two forest fires have occurred near Yavesia's town centre over the past 30 years due to agricultural or lime production activities.
Ironically, perhaps, both Ixtepeji and Yavesia have earned regional, national, and international awards in the past two years. Most recently in November 2002, both communities were publicly awarded the prestigious World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) "Gift to the Earth" for good care of their forests.
But what about democracy? Democracy is part of their daily lives, not as just doublespeak of politicians for election purposes. To participate in local leadership helps build community and maintain traditional practices. Yet many rural residents I spoke expressed a high level of distrust in democracy given Mexico's political history. Others said Ixtepeji and Yavesia enjoy a pure form of democracy, although with limitations. One crucial limitation is that most women do not vote, do not participate in elections, and do not take part in common resource decision-making. Still, many women are involved in key aspects of daily life such as health and education committees, water treatment plants, and mushroom cooperatives. In my forthcoming analysis, these and other democratic and non-democratic factors will be examined.
Lessons Learned
If we consider
democracy as the freedom to participate in decisions regarding livelihood, not
only lifestyles, then governance in Ixtepeji and Yavesia seems to be pointed
in the right direction. They are working toward more inclusive, ecological management.
In both cases, deeply held concerns for the forests are being played out in
democratically unique ways. So what does Ecological Democracy look like in Ixtepeji
and Yavesia? There are at least four key areas worth pointing out.
First, cooperation: these two mountain communities have a shared tradition of strong cooperative relationships, collective land ownership and management, and cultural patterns that reinforce long-held decision-making mechanisms. Second, ecological awareness: communities such as Ixtepeji and Yavesia have a strong forest conservation ethic; many are acutely aware of their responsibility that the forest is for all to use, including visitors and future generations. Third, integrated forest management: modern forestry techniques are being combined with new strategies for increased sales of forest products and services, both timber and non-timber. Communities such as Ixtepeji are taking full advantage of technological advancements such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) for mapping purposes, without losing sight of traditional knowledge and skills. Fourth, forest diversification: both low-intensity logging and non-timber forest products provide opportunities for all community residents to get involved and earn extra income; both offer environmental services as part of their sustainable development strategy.
This research may show that the key to forest use and protection rests with an empowered citizenry. Mountain communities are generally well placed to determine what is ultimately best for them and their environment. If democracy can be encouraged to flourish in forest-dependent mountain communities, then nature and people alike may have a good chance to thrive.
Correspondence concerning
this article should be addressed to:
Ross E. Mitchell, Ph.D. Candidate
515 General Services Building
Department of Rural Economy
University of Alberta, Edmonton
Alberta T6G 2H1
Canada
Tel:+ (780) 492-4225
Fax: +(780) 492-0268
Email: ross.mitchell@ualberta.ca