Nfp Principles

Unlike factual objectives (which determine the output of the nfp, i.e. what is to be achieved), nfp principles indicate which aspects should be taken into account to make an nfp work in practice (how to conduct the process).

For the sake of simplicity and clarity, in this web site the principles have been aggregated into three clusters of core principles under which all original principles are logically subsumed. The core clusters are:

  1. National sovereignty and country leadership
  2. Consistency within and integration beyond the forest sector
  3. Participation and partnership

Nfp principles - the core clusters

leadership, consistency and partnership diagram

Cluster 1. National sovereignty and country leadership The original principle of national sovereignty and country leadership in nfp formulation and implementation has remained unchanged throughout all relevant documents.....(Forest Principles, Agenda 21, relevant environmental agreements) and post- IPF literature.

Read more on country leadership..

Cluster 2. Consistency within and integration beyond the forest sector This cluster highlights the linkages within (intrasectoral) and beyond (intersectoral) the forest sector: They are vertical (representing the integration “above” into general, overarching country policy frameworks and “below” into decentralized structures) as well as horizontal (between forests and all its related partners and sectors). Official legislation and customary laws concerning general development issues as well as all relevant sectors are to be taken into account for their consistency and mutual impact on forests. Hence, this cluster combines the principles relating to other sectors or to overarching policies, e.g.:

  • broad intersectoral approach;
  • integration with the sustainable development strategies of the country;
  • consistency with the constitutional and legal frameworks of each country;
  • recognition of and respect for customary and traditional rights of (inter alia) indigenous peoples, local communities, forest dwellers and forest owners.

This cluster also includes the more practical intersectoral arrangements, e.g.:

  • secure land and forest tenure arrangements;
  • sound economic valuation of forest products (timber and non-timber forest products) and services (e.g. forests and water, forests and climate change, forests and biodiversity conservation, forests and recreation);
  • supportive economic and commercial environment, i.e. a market context that enhances the economic value of the multiple products and services of forests and a price mechanism that promotes a positive return on sustainable use and conservation of forest resources;
  • enhancing the institutional capacity of forest-related sectors.

Read more on intra- and inter-sectoral consistency..

Cluster 3. Participation and partnership The IPF report mentions participation and partnership both as separate entities as well as in conjunction. Partnership and participation are closely related in that they both target the utilization of broad expertise and resources and an equitable sharing of workload, responsibilities and ownership.

This cluster includes the following principles:

  • partnership and participation;
  • coordination among all interested parties;
  • appropriate participatory mechanisms in which all interested parties are involved;
  • establishment of effective coordination mechanisms and conflictresolution schemes;
  • improving regional and international cooperation for the exchange of information, technology and expertise by networks.

Read more on partnership and participation..