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International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology
Volume 22, Issue 3, 2015
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tsdw20/current#.VSj2SpMw1hX

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Deforestation of montane cloud forest in the Central Highlands of Guatemala: contributing factors and implications for sustainability in Q’eqchi’ communities
DOI:10.1080/13504509.2014.998738
I. Popeab*, D. Bowenc, J. Harbora, G. Shaod, L. Zanottie & G. Burniskeb
pages 201-212
Abstract
Cloud forest in the Central Highlands of Guatemala provides important ecosystem services for the Q’eqchi’ Maya but has been disappearing at an increasing rate in recent decades. This research documents changes in cloud forest cover, explores some contributing factors to deforestation, and considers forest preservation and food security implications for Q’eqchi’ communities. We used a transdisciplinary framework that synthesized remote sensing/GIS analysis of land cover change, focus group dialogs, and surveys. Expansion of subsistence agriculture is a key proximate cause of cloud forest removal, followed by extraction of fuelwood and larger-scale logging operations. Predisposing environmental factors such as rugged topography, steep slopes, and poor soils contribute to low agricultural productivity that contributes to increased conversion of forest to agricultural land. The key underlying driving forces for deforestation locally are population growth and subdivision of land. Population growth is increasing the demand for agricultural land and, as a result, the Q’eqchi’ clear the forest to meet the need for increased food production. Furthermore, population growth is driving subdivision of land, decreasing fallow periods, and putting additional strain on poor soils, all of which exacerbate land degradation. Given the increase in population in the region, food production must be improved on existing agricultural land to avoid the need to put more land into production to meet food requirements. Thus, efforts to sustainably increase agricultural productivity are fundamental to efforts to conserve the cloud forest and to safeguard essential ecosystem services.

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Role of ecotourism in environmental conservation and socioeconomic development in Annapurna conservation area, Nepal
DOI:10.1080/13504509.2015.1005721
Anup K.C.a*, Kedar Rijalb & Ramesh Prasad Sapkotaa
pages 251-258
Abstract
Ecotourism as a component of the green economy is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry, and focuses on environmental conservation, socioeconomic development and capitalist development. With an objective to identify and quantify impacts of ecotourism on environmental conservation, social and cultural heritage preservation, economic development and enhancement of livelihoods, this study was carried out in the Ghandruk Village Development Committee of Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. Two hundred and forty two households were interviewed, followed by three focus group discussions and five key informant interviews. It can be observed that socioeconomic variables had a positive effect on tourism participation with the exception of age and landholding status having a negative effect. Ecotourism helps in environmental conservation and socioeconomic development. It also helps in increasing employment and entrepreneurship at a local level. Income and expenditure of local people had increased because of ecotourism. Participation in ecotourism, the education level, an increase in productive human capital and an increase in income had enhanced people’s livelihoods. So, awareness and education programmes related to tourism, and strategies to increase the length of stay of visitors would be recommended.