ABSTRACT
Traditional forest management institutions have a long history in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. However, little evidence exists regarding the nature of the local-level institutions and their role in conserving biodiversity. This study was undertaken to analyse the nature of local forest management institutions and their effectiveness in conserving woody plants biodiversity using a case study in the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray. The communal forest management institutions in the study areas are indigenous institutions that pre-date current forest reform efforts. These institutions incorporate: clear forest boundaries; defined users and use rules; monitoring procedures and sanctions; and conflict-resolution mechanisms. This study evaluates both the subjective perceptions of the people who manage and use communal forests and the objective conditions of communal and open access forests, and finds positive results for communal management based on both types of evidence.
