Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Toolbox

Forest Policy

This module sets out the key elements of public forest policies. It explores how forest managers can assist in developing consensus-based forest policies that balance the interests, priorities and needs related to the conservation and use of forests and the benefits derived from them, and it addresses questions such as: “What is a forest policy?” “Why should countries have a policy on forests?” and “What makes a good forest policy?” The module also examines various forms of forest policies and sets out the steps involved in policy development. 

With the start of economic reforms in 1978, China’s forest sector was caught up in a whirlwind of change. It began with the devolution of forest tenures in rural areas, but led to reform of state-owned forest enterprises via introduction of stumpage fees and liberalized forest product prices. From the...
A half-century policy of forest exploitation and monoculture in China has led to disastrous consequences, including degradation of forests and landscapes, loss of biodiversity, unacceptable levels of soil erosion, and catastrophic flooding. A new forest policy had been adopted in China called the Natural Forest conservation Program (NFCP), which emphasizes...
The National Forestry Program (NFP) of Azerbaijan has been prepared for a 15 year period that covers the years from 2015 up to 2030. The preparation works started in 2012 and completed at the end of 2013. Apart from the state forestry service, it also refers a wide perspectives of...
Upon the end of the war Kosovo entered a difficult period of transition in which the economic and political systems gradually were reconstructed to adapt to a completely new environment. This period of transition was additionally burdened by the complex political, social and economic situation affecting the functions of all...
Historically many factors have contributed to the degradation of Jamaica’s forest cover several policy and regulatory deficiences are highlighted in this Policy which contribute to this phenomena. These include conversion of forest cover for mining and quarrying purposes; bushfires which are often used to clear land for agricultural activity; unauthorised...
This paper is a result of an international symposium organized by ENGRAF to answer important question on how to assess NFPs and their modifications. This was done in order to draw out the present state of the art of methodological tools and issue, with an aim to enhance research and...
In Mexico, the bdemocratization of natural assetsQ through an agrarian reform process laid the territorial foundation for the establishment of a large community forest sector. The common property regime and agrarian policies established by the Mexican Revolution also created a common form of governance for all of rural Mexico. Concepts...
This webpage, under the NWFPs website - contains a collection of studies and reports about the legal framework governing the NWFP sector in Central Africa, which can be easily accessed following the links. It represents a valuable resource for case studies in that African region.
Non-wood forest products (NWFPs) play an important role in the daily lives and overall well being of the Bhutanese people especially among the rural farming community; for instance they are a major source of off farm income, food, medicine, fodder, fiber, and also used for local construction materials. Many of...
1 2