Protecting forests, losing trees: the role of community involvement

Despite its protected status, nearly half of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) experienced forest degradation after conservation decrees, with pre-emptive clearing by communities contributing to deforestation. However, later periods saw forest recovery driven by payment for environmental services and community participation. The study, using multi-temporal data including aerial photographs and satellite imagery, found that illegal logging reduced essential fir forests by 43.3%, highlighting the critical role of community involvement in mitigating environmental impacts and ensuring conservation success.

López-García, J., Cruz-Bello, G. M., & Manzo-Delgado, L. d. L. (2025). Protecting forests, losing trees: the role of community involvement. Environmental Conservation, 52(4), 178–187. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0376892925000128