Forest management in refugee and returnee situations : a handbook of sound practices

Abstract

Executive Summary People all over the world depend on forests and woodlands for a broad range of tangible goods,as well as the often less perceived services such as soil stabilisation and ground water regulation they provide. Refugees and returnees are no exception to this. Many past and current refugee communities are known for their close respect for nature and understanding of natural resource management. Others are less aware,possibly because their lifestyle may have depended on seasonal movements so they never felt much direct association with nurturing a particular tree or forest. Yet, when populations are forced to live in crowded and possible unfamiliar situations – not of their own making or choice – they are often left with no option but to depend on natural resources as a means of survival. At such times, the environment is often placed under some degree of threat.