Policies affecting forests and people: Ten elements that work

• Main Authors: Bass, S, Mayers, J, Ahmed, J, Khare, A, Filer, C, Kootey, N A, Nhira, C, Watson, V
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Forestry Commission Zimbabwe (email: research@frchigh.co.zw) 12.05.1997
• Subjects: Decentralisation; GFIS; Negotiation; Participation; Policy; Zimbabwe
• ISBN: 0797418096

Policy failure is at the root of many forest problems. Whilst this fact is becoming better understood, there is also increasing understanding of the kinds of policies and policy processes which enable the transition to more sustainable forest management. This paper presents some preliminary conclusions on an International Institute for Environment and Development (lIED), co-ordinated comparative study across six: countries, Zimbabwe, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea, where teams from local institutions are carrying out case studies. In every one of these countries, traditional, normative government procedures have constituted the policy process. The resulting layers of policy and decision-making frameworks have become out of touch with current realities. As a result, conflicts escalate and forest goods and services are inequitably distributed. Preliminary conclusions suggest that 'policies that work for forests and people' will build on processes that generate mu/ti stakeho/der understanding and commitment, and are able to deal with change. This will involve both negotiation in the policy process (multi stakeholder and decentralised fora) and a greater emphasis on information on the fast-changing dynamics of forests and stakeholders. Together, these will permit continuous-improvement processes, so that policy evolves through incorporation of the results of dialogue and information.