AEGIS ECAS 2007 - View abstract

Panel	5. Afro-regions: The Dynamics of Cross-Border Regionalism in Africa
Paper ID	135
Author(s)	Dessie, Gessesse ; Kleman, Johan
Paper	No paper submitted
Abstract	This study investigates how the complex processes driving forest decline are affected by the structure and changes of human spatial and natural, ecologically defined, forest boundaries. The concept of boundaries, and their importance in this context, are exemplified by conditions in the remaining natural forest of Wondo Genet Ethiopia. Natural forest boundaries in the area delineate an important ecosystem of internal spatial interconnectedness, while the human spatial boundaries delineate jurisdictional and benefit sharing units. We find that more than ten institutional actors are involved in management of the Wondo Genet forest, and that the forest is also divided between two ethnic groups and two regional governments. The forest is divided by a large number of boundaries. Most human spatial boundaries in the area are unrelated to primary ecological boundaries. Our results suggest that the forest management in Wondo Genet is negatively affected by situations of unclear jurisdiction, weak accountability and lack of control related to boundary issues and disputes. Of particular importance is that actions by individuals (local strongmen), occasionally rivals the authority of the institutional actors and are in some cases facilitated by weak control caused by boundary issues. Our findings in the Wondo Genet case confirm that boundary structure and changes in boundary structure can contribute to the forest decline. We define a functional chain that at least partly explains forest management problems in the area, and thus contributes to forest decline: boundary mismatch and boundary changes  “power vacuum” and lack of accountability  intrusion or illegal activities illegal forest cutting  forest decline. For efficient forest management in the future, it is important to define management units that are a realistic compromise between ecological and human spatial considerations, and also to create relevant foray for discussion and practical collaboration, on the lowest possible level, as a tool for addressing residual management problems related to boundary issues. Key words: forest decline, Wondo Genet, Ethiopia, boundary mismatch, human spatial boundary, ecological boundary, social ecological boundary, forest governance

Ecological and human spatial boundaries and their impact on forest management and forest decline in Wondo Genet, Ethiopia