There is growing degradation in sylvo-pastoral lands that were originally under common property regimes, but over which the state now asserts ownership. User associations are being given the right to take charge of regulating how these areas are sustainably exploited by means of use agreements, and are proving an effective instrument in halting the degradation process.
 
Karl P. Kirsch-Jung
Bureau de la GTZ
Nouakschott, Mauritania
Karl-peter.kirsch-jung@gtz.de

Winfried von Urff
Bad Zwesten, Germany
Winfried.vonUrff@t-online.de