Synopsis

Sets out to understand how decentralization of decision making and management authority affects biodiversity conservation.

Executive Summary

This study set out to understand how decentralization of decision making and management authority affects biodiversity conservation. At the heart of this research are two questions: - whether decentralization empowers the people living in most direct contact with natural resources, and, - if this power shift does occur, whether it is likely to result in environmental policies and management practices that reduce threats to biodiversity.

The six case studies presented are: Botswana, Mexico, Bolivia, Guatemala, Panama, and the United States.

Full text of the case studies can also be found online at the Biodiversity Support Program Web site at https://www.bsponline.org.