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There is broad consensus that policymakers must work with indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) to protect biodiversity and carbon stocks in the remaining tropical forests. However, the success of community forest magement initiatives around the world has been mixed. Collaboration between policymakers and IPLCs requires a nuanced understanding of the socio-economic and cultural realities, motivations, and long-term conservation needs of IPLCs. In this study, we examine the factors that influence the interl rulemaking in forest communities for the sustaible magement of their forests. We collected social and ecological data from 57 local communities located in the tropical peatland forests of the Pastaza Marañon Foreland Basin in northern Peru—an area of global importance for its carbon storage and biodiversity. These communities are engaged in harvesting M. flexuosa palm fruit (locally called aguaje). This practice often involves the cutting of palms, which contributes to the increasing degradation of peatland forests. Using chi-squared alysis, we found that the commercialization of forest resources by community members predicts the presence of rules in communities. Resource scarcity is not associated with the existence of restrictive rules. In addition, we found that the adoption of rules by a community strongly associated with its participation in a community of practice (COP). In the context of sustaible forest magement, COPs are networks that link IPLCs with exterl forest professiols for mutual learning and practical assistance. They must be horizontal partnerships that ensure equitable participation and mutual respect. While IPLCs have an invaluable traditiol ecological knowledge (TEK) about their forest, their remote locations often prevent them from accessing innovative magement solutions or scientific knowledge about the broader landscape-level status of the forest and its species, such as regeneration capacity and population size. Trusted partners can play a critical role in facilitating dialogue about sustaible forest magement, reassuring communities about the implementation of restrictive rules, providing tangible visions of viable and sustaible altertives, and offering practical support.