Despite external influence, the key mediating factors determining the path of change in forestry remain policy, legislation, institutions and governance. Various arguments and approaches have been proposed to achieve SFM. Enters et al. (2003) and FAO (2007b) reiterate the importance of forest policies – in particular their implementation – and institutions. Against this background, the main objective of this study is to review developments in policies, legislations and institutional arrangements in the Asia-Pacific region and to discuss developments likely to occur by 2020. Three broad questions are posed to guide the analysis: What is the current status of, and what changes have occurred in policies, legislation, institutions and governance over recent decades? To what extent have policies, legislation and institutional arrangements been effective in achieving SFM and to what extent has illegal logging been tackled? What types of improvement are needed – if any – in policies, legislation and institutions to expedite achievement of SFM, combat illegal logging and respond to challenges likely to face forests and forestry up to 2020?

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

Publisher
FAO

Region
Global

Biome
All

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All