For decades, deforestation has been treated as the central problem. It is measured in hectares lost, monitored through satellites, and addressed through conservation programs, carbon mechanisms, and development interventions.
Yet despite billions of dollars invested, forests continue to decline. This raises the question of whether the diagnosis has been incorrect. Deforestation is not the disease itself but rather a symptom.
The commentary argues that the underlying issue is de-governance. This perspective shifts the focus from solely managing forest loss to addressing the systemic failures that allow it to persist. The continued decline suggests that conservation efforts alone are insufficient without addressing broader governance challenges.
Treating deforestation as the primary problem, while important, may overlook the root causes. These causes likely lie in the effectiveness and implementation of policies, enforcement mechanisms, and broader institutional frameworks that are meant to protect forest ecosystems.
This commentary advocates for a re-evaluation of strategies, proposing that improved governance is crucial for halting and reversing forest loss. Without addressing the systemic governance issues, conservation programs and financial investments may continue to fall short of their intended impact.
Source: Mongabay