Abstract
There is broad consensus that policymakers must work with indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) to protect biodiversity and carbon stocks in the remaining tropical forests. However, the success of community forest management initiatives around the world has been mixed. Collaboration between policymakers and IPLCs requires a nuanced understanding of the socio-economic and cultural realities, motivations, and long-term conservation needs of IPLCs. In this study, we examine the factors that influence the internal rulemaking in forest communities for the sustainable management of their forests. We collected social and ecological data from 57 local communities located in the tropical peatland forests of the Pastaza Marañon Foreland Basin in northern Peru—an area of global importance for its carbon storage and biodiversity. These communities are engaged in harvesting M. flexuosa palm fruit (locally called aguaje). This practice often involves the cutting of palms, which contributes to the increasing degradation of peatland forests. Using chi-squared analysis, we found that the commercialization of forest resources by community members predicts the presence of rules in communities. Resource scarcity is not associated with the existence of restrictive rules. In addition, we found that the adoption of rules by a community strongly associated with its participation in a community of practice (COP). In the context of sustainable forest management, COPs are networks that link IPLCs with external forest professionals for mutual learning and practical assistance. They must be horizontal partnerships that ensure equitable participation and mutual respect. While IPLCs have an invaluable traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) about their forest, their remote locations often prevent them from accessing innovative management solutions or scientific knowledge about the broader landscape-level status of the forest and its species, such as regeneration capacity and population size. Trusted partners can play a critical role in facilitating dialogue about sustainable forest management, reassuring communities about the implementation of restrictive rules, providing tangible visions of viable and sustainable alternatives, and offering practical support.