The influence of accessibility, local institutions, and socioeconomic factors on forest cover change in the mountains of western Honduras

Tropical deforestation poses a threat to ecological sustainability and soci oeconomic development in many parts of the world. Information on forest tra nsformations is especially pertinent in sensitive ecological zones such as mountainous regions, where forest cover protects steep slopes and thin soil s from erosion. Such areas are frequently unsuitable for agriculture, but i nhabitants may have few alternatives to meet subsistence needs. Understandi ng the relationship between human behavior and forest change poses a major challenge for development projects, policy makers, and environmental organi zations that aim to improve forest management. Knowledge of the areal exten t of forest cover and the processes of change represents an integral step, but in many areas of the globe, these processes are still relatively unknow n. This study addresses forest cover change in a community in the mountains of western Honduras. Between 1987 and 1996, 9.77 km(2) of land was refores ted and only 7.48 km(2) was deforested, as determined by satellite image an alysis. This reforestation is related to the current institutional, biophys ical, and socioeconomic contexts. Forests remain primarily on steeper slope s, at higher elevations, and at a distance from settlements and roads. A co unty ban on logging has allowed regrowth of previously logged areas. Agricu ltural intensification appears related to abandonment of some marginal land s. Processes of privatization have been occurring, private forests reveal h igher reforestation and lower deforestation rates than communal forests. Pr ivatization, however, has favored the wealthy. Thus, the majority has had t o depend on shrinking communal forests.