Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

Workshop Module 8: Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo 219

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Presentation : Community forests

Method : Facilitator presentation

Tools : Images, black/white board, markers

References : PC Book MOD 8 - Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo

Objective : Participants learn about sustainable, productive community

forest management

The community forest zone is located on the lands surrounding the village
farms. Many community resources can be grown in this zone. Plants in the community
forest zone can vary from controlled orchards to semi-wild forests. Developing productive
community forest management systems will help to replace illegal logging practices.

The conservation zone is located on the lands surrounding the community forest.
A healthy community forest and conservation zone are the source of a healthy environment,
and these 2 zones have a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship. This means that if
community forests and conservation zones are mistreated and damaged, the health of the
environment and the health of the people will also be damaged.

Community forests can supply many products, including:

• Firewood. • Timber. • Fruit.


• Medicines. • Animal fodder. • Nuts.


• Oil. • Bamboo. • Craft material.


• Animal habitats.

Practical steps to a healthy and sustainable community forest system:

• Store water in the ground – This will protect water sources, improve tree
  growth and production, and reduce the risk of erosion and landslides.


• Protect soils and stop erosion – With good land management techniques
  and continual tree coverage, the soil can be protected and improved and the risk
  of erosion and landslides will be greatly reduced.


• Control animals – With community cooperation and participation, techniques
  like fencing, tree guards, and animal control can be managed as part of the
  system. Animal traps can be built to catch wild animals.


• Stop burning – This will improve diversity, water retention, soil quality, protect
  mulch and organic matter, reduce erosion, and encourage high productivity
  systems.


• Integrate community nurseries – These can be developed to supply the
  trees and plants needed for maintaining the community forests.


• Good management of forests and resources.

Note: The facilitator can do the exercise “Creative thinking: Community management
plan” which is presented later in this module to help the participants understand and
create a plan for good management of forests and resources.