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Despite all the efforts of politicians and scientists to protect tropical forests, the degradation of these ecosystems continues unabated. Based on experiences with tropical forests and on detailed studies of an Ethiopian mountain rain forest, we discuss previous failures and omissions. On the one hand, people have tried to establish and manage protected areas on a one-sided basis, often exclusively from the natural sciences. On the other hand, the population directly affected by the establishment of a protected area has not been involved in planning or management and not been compensated for any losses. We call for an integrated approach to research, with biologists and ecologists as well as social scientists and economists working together on a feasible conservation concept. The political framework needs to be taken into account but even more important is getting the local population involved in every step of the planning process and compensating them for the loss of utilization rights and resources.