THINKING POLITICALLY ABOUT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE TROPICAL FORESTS OF LATIN-AMERICA

This article examines a number of factors which facilitate the adoptio n and success of policies and projects to promote grassroots sustainab le development - that is, the sustainable, multiple use of forests at the community level, including aspects of local self-reliance and cont rol of economic resources. I will argue that the extractive reserve le gislation in Brazil and community Forestry projects in Mexico and Peru depended on the formation of pro-grassroots development coalitions. T he exact make-up of those coalitions depended on three factors: (1) th e initial disposition of key governmental and dominant class actors to such policies; (2) the intensity of local conflicts and the extent of community organization; and (3) the involvement of international acto rs. The cases suggest that in the absence of serious government or upp er class opposition, the adoption and durability of such policies and projects can be promoted by the formation of a coalition of organized communities, domestic non-governmental organizations (NGOs), some alli ed government agencies, and support from international actors. However , when key government agencies and socio-economic elites are fundament ally opposed to sustainable development initiatives at the grassroots level, much higher levels of community organization, conflict, and dom estic and international support appear to be necessary.