Author Capistrano D.

This paper is an input to this collective effort to develop a foundational framework of common indicators for application at the country level. It has been enriched by comments from reviewers and discussions during the September 2010 symposium. It discusses the features of the set of indicators generated through the process and suggests including indicators for equity in the allocation of forest benefits as an additional consideration in the UNREDD/ Chatham House framework. A number of governance initiatives offer valuable insights and a foundation for the development of indicator systems for use in forest governance assessment and monitoring at the country level. These initiatives define and employ indicators in different ways. The structure of their indicator systems, types of indicators, their levels of detail and specificity and modes of application vary depending on the purpose of the indicators and objectives of the initiative. Indicators reflect an initiative's particular conceptual and analytical underpinnings and normative standards. At the same time, they are shaped by common practical considerations such as the availability of data and costs of data collection. Indicators can have a range of forms with varying qualities, levels of reliability and accuracy.