During the past two decades there has been a shift from predominantly 'top down' centralised approaches to natural resource management, towards more devolved models, often referred to as 'Community Based Natural Resource Management' (CBRM). Such models are part of the broader processes of decentralisation and constitutional reform that is underway in many countries of Asia and Africa, and gain further credence in light of the need build the adaptive capacity and resilience of marginal communities in the face of a climate change. It is assumed that the devolution of decision making and control over natural resources to local communities can bring multiple benefits (social, economic, ecological), improves 'good governance' through greater participation and accountability, and has the potential to empower the poor.