The Practice of Democracy in Two Forest Communities of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca,Mexico

Abstract

This study examines democratic parameters within the framework of common property systems. Two forest-based communities of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, Mexico —Santa Catarina Ixtepeji and Santa Maria Yavesía— were selected for comparison on key democratic features.Their respective forest land-use decisions have been regulated by “usos y costumbres”, local practices of governance based on indigenous systems of community service, along with socio-environmental considerations. Both communities have taken different forest use paths with positive and negative consequences for democratic governance of local forest resources.This study brings new insight into the meaning of democracy and common property systems.