Changes in Forestry Policy, Production, and the Environment in Northern Mexico: 1960--2000

Abstract

Despite increasingly more comprehensive policies for forest management, the last forty years in Mexico has witnessed a continuing pattern of mismanagement. While some have pointed a finger at underlying factors such as population growth and poverty, focusing on these factors tend to “blame the victim.” Political elements such as a centralized government, a dominant political party, an authoritarian political party, corruption, laws with no enforcement, short range plans and investments, and other structural factors also must be considered. This paper examines the policy ideology, policies, and other factors that have led to the current state of affairs.

Key words:
forest management, deforestation, Mexican forestry policy, political ecology, political ideology, Tarahumara, NAFTA, indigenous communities, World Bank