Conservation through use: Lessons from the Mesoamerican dry forest This book examines the concept of ‘conservation through use’, using the conservation of tree species diversity in Mesoamerican tropical dry forest in Honduras and Mexico as a case study. It discusses the need to develop conservation strategies based both on a botanical determination of those species most in need of conservation and an Conservation through use: understanding of the role these trees play in local livelihoods. Based on a detailed analysis of smallholder farming systems in southern Honduras and coastal Oaxaca Lessons from the and a botanical survey of trees and shrubs in different land use systems in both study areas, the fi ndings confi rm the importance of involving the local population Mesoamerican dry forest in the management and conservation of Mesoamerican tropical dry forest. The book is directed at researchers in both the socioeconomic and botanical Adrian Barrance, Kathrin Schreckenberg spheres, policy makers at both national and international level, and members of governmental and non-governmental organisations, institutions and projects active and James Gordon in the conservation of tropical dry forest and in rural development in the region. Overseas Development Institute 111 Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7JD, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7922 0300 Fax: +44 (0)20 7922 0399 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.odi.org.uk ISBN 978-0-85003-894-1 9 780850 038941 Conservation through use: Lessons from the Mesoamerican dry forest Adrian Barrance, Kathrin Schreckenberg and James Gordon This publication is an output from a research project funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) for the benefit of developing countries.