Local traditions and forest protection

Environmental issues have been at the heart of political decisions in recent years, and the habits of certain traditional societies are sometimes called into question in the name of environmental protection. But apart from political decisions, often motivated by the results of scientific research, is there not another approach - endogenous, for example - that guarantees sustainable development? The aim of this study is to compare two management models for the classified forests of Soubroukou, Kilir and the sacred forest of Sérou. The methodological approach, based on a diachronic and synchronic analysis, involved various stakeholders through focus groups and individual interviews. The results show that cash crop production forces farmers to look for farmland. The lack of synergy between public structures and local communities is jeopardizing the classified forests. The survival of the Sérou sacred forest is due to the sacralization of certain tree species, which have become an essential part of the rites and traditions of local communities.