I have seen similar patterns in the community-based natural resource programmes I have evaluated in Indonesia and East Africa. I have, however, always wondered whether my notions of equity are slightly liberal, 'Western' perspectives. Indeed our projects are teaming with sound examples of how empowering those from different socioeconomic statuses, races and gender has lead to more social equitable outcomes for human wellbeing (less so for biodiversity conservation as often it tends to be the most powerful players generating the most detrimental impacts) but what if it is not culturally appropriate? I say this because I have also seen how conservation NGOs have created conflicts trying redistribute power in this way. Naturally dominant individuals will try to resist. Whilst we don't want to be implementing intervention that reinforce existing power asymmetries, should we be changing them?  

Great article that speaks the truth! I am not 100 percent sure I agree with the comment about Europe and America. Europe wiped out most of its biodiversity years ago and the US has one of the highest deforestation rates across the globe....