Forests are among the most diverse and widespread ecosystem on earth; they provide mankind with a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits. However the forests are increasingly being threatened by unsustainable logging practices. Rampant deforestation in the tropics and international pressure have led governments of tropical forest countries to take action to promote forest management of natural forests. However in most countries forest management has been implemented improperly. Thus, low compliance with existing forest management law, rather than lack of laws, is often a leading cause of unsustainable forestry practices in many tropical forest countries. Nevertheless the degree of compliance varies across the nations. This study examines the contrast between Brazil, a low compliance country with Finland, the most successful country. The importance of forests and forestry is introduced including a brief background of forest resources. Focus is given to the Finnish model of forestry law enforcement, concentrating on factors that can be adapted to Brazil and other tropical countries. Some specific recommendations have been drawn from this cross case study.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
CIFOR

Region
Americas, Europe

Biome
All

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All