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The research focuses on four areas where
native forests have been subjected to intense human pressure in recent decades,
resulting in severe deforestation. These forest areas are among the most
threatened ecoregions in the world, with many endemic, threatened species,
and are characterised by high biodiversity of international conservation
importance. These areas are also home to large and increasing rural populations,
including indigenous communities, who rely on native forest resources for
provision of a number of forest products, such as timber and fuelwood, and
services, such as soil and water protection. The conservation and sustainable
use of forest resources in these areas is therefore of vital importance
to the livelihood of local communities. The four target areas are: (i) the
northern and central Highlands of Chiapas, and neighbouring areas of Oaxaca,
Mexico; (ii) Central Veracruz, Mexico; (iii) the coastal range of the Chilean
Lake District; and (iv) northern Chiloe, Chile, and neighbouring areas of
Argentina. The native forests of these areas are, respectively: (i) and
(ii) montane cloud forests, (iii) and (iv) temperate evergreen rain forest.
The forests of these four areas differ in composition, but are similar in
terms of structure (mixed conifer-hardwood) and climate (high humidity and
rainfall). Although the processes of forest degradation in these areas are
very similar, the social situation and pattern of land use varies, providing
scope for comparative analysis.
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