Graduate Research Highlight: Luiza Lucena

September 03, 2024

This article is part of the Forest Scene newsletter, Issue 31.

Portrait of Luiza Lucena.
Luiza Lucena

Luiza Lucena is pursuing her Ph.D. in Natural Resources Science and Management (NRSM) and a minor in Business Management and Development Studies & Social Change. Her research, conducted in partnership with CINRAM, The Food Industry Center (TFIC), the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC), and the Rainforest Alliance, aims to assess the involvement of local communities in the Maya Forest region in the development and implementation of Voluntary Sustainability Standards. More specifically, she's conducting interviews with members of community forest concessions in the region to understand how well Voluntary Sustainability Standards align with their diverse needs and interests.

"Forest communities are frequently excluded from decision-making processes and the development of sustainability standards. Our approach focuses on diversifying stakeholders and incorporating the perspectives of marginalized groups in sustainable standards development and implementation, particularly those who depend on and conserve forests," says Lucena. "By incorporating these perspectives into the development and implementation of sustainability standards, we expect a more equitable distribution of influence to amplify the voices of forest communities, empowering them to play a pivotal role in shaping standards and fostering sustainable development.”

Through stakeholder interviews, Lucena has gained insights into the complexities of the tropical timber trade within Community Forestry Enterprises (CFEs) of the Maya Forest. Initial findings highlight the need for improved governance structures, equitable market access, and tailored support mechanisms for forest communities. The research also sheds light on the role of Voluntary Sustainability Standards in shaping sustainable practices within forest communities.

Cover of Forest Scene newsletter.

The Forest Scene newsletter is published biannually in the spring and fall, featuring stories and updates from the Department of Forest Resources. Read Issue 31 (2024):