Trees, People and Power: Social Dimensions of Deforestation and Forest Protection in Central America

This is an examination of the social and political processes which have caused the tropical deforestation of Central America. The author analyzes forest use and abuse, showing how the interests of different groups collide and describing how local initiatives can conserve and restore the forests. The lessons he provides are applicable to all tropical forest regions of the world and give insight into one of the most crucial environmental issues yet to be resolved.

Peter Utting is a senior researcher coordinator with the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development. He is the author of Economic Adjustment under the Sandinistas (UNRISD, 1991) and ,i>Economic Reform and Third World Socialism (Macmillan, 1992).