Hi,
I am a development communication journalist employed with The Gambia Radio and Television Services. We do not have a formal social protection mechanism of forest dependent communities in my country but I am of the conviction that this is very necessary and important wherever needed.
The practice, as in my country of transferring the ownership and management of forests to the communities is a positive way of achieving this, as indicated by some participants. However, a true mechanism for defending the rights of forest dependent communities in case of transgression of their rights, even under this system, is not guaranteed, as states can revoke this ownership under any purported national interest.
I would therefore, recommend that a committed international body, such as the UN, under mechanisms like REDD and REDD+, be devised that will monitor such rights and formulate measures for redress. The Forests of the world are our common heritage and should be sanctified and regulated under international jurisprudence to help save the world from the looming dangers of climate change.
I believe if States are adequately sensitized and motivated (under climate change adaptation mechanisms), alternatives to national development and proactive local legislation to save and revive forests the world all over will be more likely to succeed.
It is also important to note that social protection in itself will not be adequate to save forests since without sustainable management (state intervention) of the forest resources, the local communities themselves could be the source of their destruction, if they see it as their property that they can use anyhow, which is the general state of affairs at present.
Ismaila N. Senghore,
Manager, FM Radio Station (National) and Head, Education and Development Programmes.
Gambia Radio and Television Services.
Ismaila Senghore