Year of publication 2011

This publication represent an analysis of experiences in tenure and tenure reform which suggests that the interactions among tenure, regulatory frameworks and governance are critical in determining the extent to which forest management objectives are achieved. The results of studies carried out over a wide geographical area highlighted several other key findings. Much of the argument in favour of tenure reform is based on pragmatic concerns about increasing tenure's contribution to sustainable forest management and improved livelihoods. However, another argument for tenure reform is based on human rights. Some indigenous peoples - including those in the Amazon, the Dayaks in Borneo and Australian Aborigines - have claims based on customary tenure that are supported by international human rights conventions. It has been noted that radical changes to tenure are often associated with major political events; once a major shift has occurred, significant positive changes can take place through the application of a deliberative, adaptive, reflective approach that engages a wide range of stakeholders and applies feedback loops from field experience. Analysis of experiences in tenure and tenure reform has led to the identification of several key issues associated with reforming forest tenure. A set of principles to be applied when embarking on tenure reform have been derived from these studies.