Forest peoples, customary use and state forests: The case for reform

Drawing on five long-term case studies carried out by FPP with indigeneous peoples' organisations in Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Cameroon and Thailand, the paper summarises field data which reveal the remarkable complexity of customary law systems. It proposes a mehtodology for strengthening traditional practices to ensure sustainable use and ensuring that state interventions align with countries' obligations under the CBD and other relevant international treaties.