Introduction Never before have the consequences of human land use been of such global concern. There is a strong consensus among scientists that soil erosion, nonpoint pollution, loss of vegetation to land development, tropical deforestation, industrial pollution, and other human activities have modified the global climate patterns in ways that are generally deleterious to humankind.  Tropical deforestation has received special attention because tropical forests represent the largest carbon reservoirs on the planet. From an economic perspective tropical forests also hold great biodiversity, such as floral and faunal sources for new medicines; important timber species, such as mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla); and many other important economic products (bamboo, rattan, orchids, etc).

Although there have been many attempts to stop tropical deforestation, the deforestation rate continues to rise. There are, however, some success stories, and many of them involve community forestry. This is because local communities have been long-term users of the forest, and the people that live in or near the forests have an interest in the long-term sustainability of the forest. 

Thus, regardless of the type of access rights to tropical forests resources, people in local communities are more likely to protect the long-term future of the resources. To guard these resources, a large amount of scientific knowledge needs to be developed to complement the indigenous knowledge of the local people in such a way that modern world demands for tropical products can become an opportunity for the development of rural communities and tropical forest preservation.

Forestry Maya Community Organization of Quintana Roo, Mexico
The Organizacion de ejidos productores forestales de la Zona Maya (OEPFZM) (Organization of forest "ejidos" of the Mayan Zone) was formed in 1985. The organization is composed of 19 ejidos (communities) which contain about 500,000 ha of land that is approximately 50% forested. 

Research planning is done in collaboration with forestry advisers and community board of representatives. Results of research are presented to the forester advisers and a committee that represents the organization ejidos.

Research Program
My research for the last 11 years has been directed at generating useful information for the better management of the tropical forests (200,000 ha) of the OEPFZM. This research program has been carried out with the strong participation of the organization farmers "ejidatarios" and their team of forestry advisers. The organization has existed for 12 years and many of the forestry advisers have been working with the organization for all that time.

Community Forestry and Tropical Forest Preservation Research Program

The program is composed of four projects: Silviculture: this project focuses on regeneration and growth of important timber species and involves four different studies:  Silvicultural treatments to encourage mahogany regeneration. This study is being conducted in collaboration with Duke University (Dr. Laura Snook), and Quintana Roo's Forestry School (ITA #16). Utilization of gaps produced by railroad ties to regenerate timber species being conducted in collaboration with Quintana Roo's Forestry School (ITA #16). Growth and regeneration after overstory removal. Data of growth and natural regeneration have been collected for 12 years after different overstory removal treatments were applied. Forestry restoration: Slash and burn agriculture is followed by a fallow period. This study aims to improve the fallow period with high value timber species. The planting is carried out during the last year of crop production. (v) Seedling production and quality. This study aims to determine the characteristics seedlings should have for better performance and survival on planting site. The final product of all these studies will be a set of guidelines for re-establishment (regeneration) and growth of important timber species.

• Agroforestry: This project focuses on the utilization of fallow vegetation for multistrata agroforestry systems, utilizing the forest gardening concept. The project (evaluation and reports from 1998-2001) is divided into five stages: 

• evaluation of the fallow vegetation (completed)
• identification of appropriate crops for forest gardening (completed)
• development and establishment, in collaboration with farmers and foresters
• of two forest garden designs for two age fallow (completed)
• monitoring of the forest gardens (for two years)

• Conservation and environmental education: This project focuses on the education and awareness of local people, especially youth. The Mayans have in their hands a resource with considerable potential. In the past the forests were over-harvested and their richness on valuable timber was depleted. This process, however, can be reversed. To accomplish this, two activities are being done:

• Promotion of the "green piggy bank". "Small, high value plantations" are established and tended by children (girls and boys) helped by their parents. The species used are mostly high value ones that are planted on a yearly basis (at least 20 seedlings every year). Thus, when children reach maturity (40-50 years old) they will also have a green piggy bank. The green piggy bank can continue forever, as long as trees are cut and planted every year.

• Formal forestry education for ejidatarios. This activity is in the planning process. Funding needs to be obtained in order to be able to provide the financial support that is needed so some local children can attend forestry school.

• Local Training: This research project represents a very good opportunity for collaboration with local institutions and for training of local researchers and students. Currently, there is an agreement of collaboration with the local forestry school. In 1997, four students participated in the program, and two will produce their bachelor thesis. There are other collaborative agreements with other local institutions being developed, but the major objective is to have local students involved in the project.