The transition from centralized government to a regime based on democratic principles and free market relations poses major challenges which include the need to establish new institutions and re-organize outdated ones. Parallel developments in the global context, such as the debate on issues surrounding sustainable development and general democratization processes, also promoted a move toward government decentralization in the countries studied. The institutional structure of the public forest sector was similar in all five countries, influenced by internal factors (general reforms based on decentralization and privatization) and external ones (global international initiatives and donor requirements). The findings of this comparative study show that changing expectations from forests and the growing importance of environmental and social aspects are re-orienting policy objectives and means, thus promoting conceptual and operational shifts: redefinition of policy instruments, establishment of a new legal framework, promotion of private initiatives, and redefinition of financing modalities. These changes should lead to different roles and functions of the state forest service as well as the identification and involvement of new actors. The study indicates, however, that a lack of clear strategies and mechanisms to implement reforms is making the transition difficult. Moreover, in many cases, the willingness to move beyond political declarations and policy statements is not apparent.

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

Publisher
FAO

Region
Asia Pacific, Europe

Biome
Boreal, Temperate

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All