Policy, legal and institutional aspects of sustainable forest management

This paper discusses major policy, legal and institutional aspects of forest management. The dynamic nature of development requires continuous adaptation in policies, institutions and regulations aimed at maintaining an effective incentive framework for sustainable forest management. Such a framework should combine a certain flexibility with the stability and security necessary for long-term continuity in forest management. The paper includes sections on laws and regulations for sustainable forest management - nominal and functional forest law, forest tenure, etc., and institutional and organizational aspects; the changing role of the public sector and expanding roles of the private sector and non-governmental organizations; and information, communication and training-facilitating the diffusion of knowledge, reinforcing the social base of sustainability through understanding and dialogue and gradually strengthening technical skills and capabilities. The paper concludes that the most important factor is changing attitudes and capacities from the traditional emphasis and focusing on the more comprehensive and partnership approaches required in sustainable forest management.