Prospects for sustainable management of the Mieou Classified Forest in Mali

Despite its vital contribution to the livelihoods of the people living in the surrounding villages the Mieou classified forest is now in an advanced state of degradation due to over-exploitation and encroachment by human activities (some even live there). Faced with this problem a development and management plan has been drawn up for its sustainable management.The survey was conducted through interviews with 39 key resource persons and stakeholder groups from the various villages bordering the forest. Our results showed that the forest's resources are being used in multiple and abusive ways. With regard to local populations' knowledge of the management plan the survey revealed that only 38% of our interviewees were aware of the management plan pending implementation; the remaining 62% said they were not aware of such a plan. In addition around 60% of respondents said they had no other alternative for saving resources (during the replenishment period).