This publication reflects the outcome of an ambitious initiative to identify instances of exemplary forest management in the region and examine the core components of high quality forest management in an effort to illustrate good forest management to a wide audience and encourage others to take up some of the most promising ideas, methods and approaches. More than 170 nominations were received from 21 countries in the region. Twenty-eight case studies were selected. Each tells a compelling story of innovations in meeting management challenges and of initiatives that might provide learning experiences for other forest managers. The book shatters the myth that there is no positive forestry being practiced in the region and celebrates the triumphs of forest managers, farmers and local communities in balancing the range of socio-economic and environmental demands made on forests. In doing so, it reveals monumental accounts of innovation, perseverance and dedication from across the region – stories that should inspire and motivate others to redouble their efforts to protect and manage effectively the region's spectacular forests.