REGULATORY CONFLICTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMMUNITIES (INDIGENOUS AND AFRO) PROPERTY RIGHTS IN FOREST AREAS, COLOMBIAN COASTAL ZONE

Abstract

The implementation of the United Nations strategy for “Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)” as a mitigation measure to the effects of climate change on forest areas of Colombia, finds support for implementation of international conventions of which the country is part. The methodology applied in REDD projects has conflicts with current regulatory framework, related to the collective ownership of indigenous and afro communities. This paper focus on communities property rights vs. potential REDD forests and their good and environmental services. Conclusions show that the law on coastal areas against forest resource use is limited in Colombia and requires to improve scientific research on normative and regulatory processes focus on economic instruments for biodiversity uses, in order to reduce or take into account the impacts on communities property rights.