October 2014: The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) has released a comprehensive analysis, titled ‘Forests Under Pressure: Local responses to global issues.’ The analysis reviews 27 case studies in order to identify opportunities for and challenges facing sustainable forest management (SFM).

The report is one outcome of a Special Project, titled ‘World Forests, Society and Environment,’ and represents the efforts of 144 contributing scientists. Case studies presented in the report range from participatory SFM in Argentina and forest certification in Indonesia to REDD+ in India and decentralization reforms in Uganda.

In comparing the case studies, the report sets out an analytical framework for SFM consisting of livelihoods, capacities, cultural and socio-economic aspects, the natural resource base, research and monitoring, and policies, institutions and governance. Based on the framework, the report identifies prerequisite conditions for SFM including: land tenure and use rights, supportive public administration, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement of laws and regulations. The report also notes the importance of access to capital, public-private partnerships, and adequate commercial opportunities.

In addition to the full report, IUFRO produced an accompanying issue brief. [Publication: Forests Under Pressure – Local responses to global issues] [Publication: Issue Brief: Synergistic policies and measures are the key to advancing sustainable forest management and forest-based development]