Protectionist forest conservation can have negative impacts, as people are excluded from
local lands and resources—in the name of conservation. Negative ecological effects can
also ensue, especially where poverty is relatively high and people depend directly upon
forest resources to meet daily needs. Community-based conservation (CBC) was
developed to synergize social, environmental and economic aspects of conservation by
actively involving local communities. To combat deforestation and promote
development, The Gambia implemented a Community Forestry Programme (CFP),
giving land and resource ownership rights to local communities provided they adopt
management responsibilities. Exploring Tujereng’s Mori Kunda Community Forest it was
determined that CBC has the potential to result in both development and conservation
outcomes. However, outcome extent was dependent upon: incentives; access to land;
external training, funding and resources; poverty; competing industries; environmental
stewardship; community consultation and values; as well as the communally oriented
structure and disposition of Gambian society.