Forest Governance and Policy in Developing Countries PDF

SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY Environment and Forest Resources POLICY SYSTEMS in Developing Countries GROUP 1  Forests provide essential resources like fuel, food, and medicine, su...

SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY Environment and Forest Resources POLICY SYSTEMS in Developing Countries GROUP 1  Forests provide essential resources like fuel, food, and medicine, supporting livelihoods in developing countries. Effective governance is crucial to prevent resource depletion, but many forest policies fall short due to poor implementation. Small forest enterprises contribute to rural economies but often lack support. Sustainable management requires well-planned policies aligned with national development goals and backed by operational frameworks for long-term success. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 SUSTAINABILITY GOVERNANCE CLIMATE ACTION ECONOMIC SOCIAL GROWTH EQUITY Ensures long- Establishes Addresses Promotes Integrates term clear rules, global climate fairness by forests into ecological accountability, change empowering national health and and challenges local development resource stakeholder through communities for sustainable availability. participation. coordinated and indigenous livelihoods. groups. efforts. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1  Developing countries, mainly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are marked by low income, economic instability, and reliance on primary industries like agriculture. They struggle with limited healthcare, education, and infrastructure, leading to lower life expectancy and higher illiteracy. Political instability, corruption, and weak governance further hinder progress. United Nations declared the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Cambodia as developing countries in 2023. These nations were categorized based on economic, social, and political factors SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1  SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY POLICY MAKING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FOR FOREST AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES Martial Law Era (1972-1986): President Marcos enacted Presidential Decrees (PDs) centralizing forest and environmental management. Focus on sustainable management, multi-use forest governance, land classification, and forest protection. Post-Democracy Shift (1986-onwards): The 1987 Constitution enshrined environmental protection as a fundamental right. Legislative authority shifted to Congress (Senate and House), resulting in laws on wildlife conservation, illegal logging, and resource development. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Program (1993): Local community participation became central to forestry operations. CBFM aims to promote socioeconomic welfare, social justice, and sustainable forest management. National REDD-plus Strategy (PNRPS, 2009-2010): Focuses on deforestation drivers and creating science-based conservation interventions. Collaborates with stakeholders through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to enhance conservation efforts. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Government Structure and Legislative Process: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy led by the King (advisory role) and the Prime Minister. Policy-making involves the Council of Ministers, National Assembly, and voters. Bills need approval from the Assembly and the King’s signature to become law. Historical Development of Forest Policy: Three periods: a. Absolute Monarchy (pre-1932): Minimal focus on forest policy. b. 1932-1956: Reduced role of the King; forest policy began to develop. c. 1956-present: Parliamentary system with evolving forest management strategies. Key Forest Policies and Laws: Forest Reserve Act and Forest Act established foundational regulations. Forest Land Zoning (1992): Aimed to preserve 40% forest cover through conservation zones. Community Forest Act (2019): Officially recognized community forestry, giving local communities the right to manage forests. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Community Forestry and Local Participation: Community Forest Act mandates communities to form Forest Management Committees for forest oversight. Restrictions exist, as community forests are only allowed in non-protected areas. The Act supports local policing of forests, but marginalized communities lack guaranteed participation. International Involvement: Thailand actively participates in international conferences on trade, environment, and development to align national policies with global environmental goals. Future Targets: By 2025, 1.6 million hectares of conserved forest are to be designated as community forests, with 15,000 community woodlands officially registered. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Policymaking Process: Agenda Setting: Issues identified through public feedback, expert input, or government priorities. Formulation: Relevant ministries and agencies conduct research, analysis, and stakeholder consultations. Legislative Review: Policies are debated, amended, and approved by Parliament. Implementation: Government agencies handle planning, resource allocation, monitoring, and compliance enforcement. Evaluation: Policies are periodically assessed for effectiveness and adjusted as needed. Key Environmental and Forestry Policies: National Forestry Policy 2016: Focuses on sustainable management, biodiversity conservation, and balancing development with environmental protection. Environmental Quality Act 1974: Regulates air, water, and land quality and enforces environmental standards. National Policy on Biological Diversity (2016): Emphasizes ecosystem protection and sustainable use of biological resources. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Forest Management Structure: Three forestry departments: a. Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department b. Sabah Forestry Department c. Sarawak Forestry Department State-Level Governance: Each state independently creates forestry policies under Article 74(2) of the Constitution. Commitment to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM): Development of the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) and Malaysian Criteria and Indicators (MC&I). Forests managed for ecological services (e.g., wildlife protection, soil erosion control). Socioeconomic Development Through Forests: Forest resources contribute to resource-based economic growth while ensuring environmental conservation. Focus on Future Sustainability: Policies aim to ensure biodiversity conservation for the benefit of current and future generations. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Policymaking Process: Agenda Setting: Issues identified from public concerns, expert advice, or government priorities. Policy Formulation: Government agencies and experts develop proposals through research, analysis, and stakeholder consultations. Legislative Review: The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and People's Representative Council (DPR) review and approve policies. Implementation: Government agencies and the civil service carry out approved policies. Evaluation: Policymakers assess policy effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. Key Environmental and Forestry Policies: Forest Conversion Moratorium (2011): Aimed at reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable management. Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) Certification (2018): Established sustainability standards for palm oil production. National Action Plan for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (RAN-GRK) 2014-2020: Focused on mitigating climate change through forest and land-use management. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Commitment to Sustainable Forest Management: Participation in the REDD+ mechanism and implementation of the Community Plantation Forest (CPF) program. Recognition of Indigenous Rights: Formalization of customary forest ownership empowers local communities in forest management. Challenges: Persistent issues with illegal logging and deforestation in some provinces. Need for further research on deforestation drivers. Interconnected Policies Impacting Forest Management: Non-forestry policies (e.g., resettlement, taxation, agro-conversion) influence forest areas, requiring coordinated management efforts. National Forestry Action Plan: Focuses on forest conservation, land use planning, community participation, and institutional development. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Political Framework: Democratic Republic: Colombia operates under a presidential representative democratic republic, governed by the 1991 Constitution. Separation of Powers: The government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring a system of checks and balances. Administrative Reforms: Implemented reforms to enhance transparency, citizen orientation, and efficiency in government operations. Established regulatory commissions and simplified bureaucratic processes to improve governance. National Forestry Policy: The National Forestry Development Plan (2000) aims to promote the establishment of planted forests and the sustainable management of natural forests. The General Forest Law (2010) allows for the use of planted forests for production, even if they were previously designated as protection forests, facilitating economic development. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 Regulatory Oversight: Three main authorities manage natural forests and plantations: Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADS): Responsible for formulating environmental policies. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR): Focuses on agricultural, fisheries, and rural development. Regional Autonomous Corporation for Sustainable Development (CAR): Local governance body overseeing environmental and forestry management. Policy Implementation: Collaboration among various ministries and regional authorities ensures a coordinated approach to forestry and environmental policies, promoting sustainable practices and resource management. Focus on Sustainable Development: The policies emphasize balancing economic development with the preservation of natural resources, aligning with broader sustainable development goals. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1  Forest policies and collaborative forest management establishes a shared sense of direction, guides institutional frameworks, enhances communication and collaboration, ensures financial support, and assists decision-making in the preservation of environmental and forest resources. By involving local communities in the policy-making process, there is a greater likelihood of developing policies that are relevant, effective, and sustainable in addressing the needs and challenges faced by the environment and forest as a whole. SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GROUP 1 SFG 42 - FOREST GOVERNANCE AND POLICY THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!! GROUP 1 ALEGRE, ARA MAY CABUYAO, VHEA AVES, KIIMBERLY MARCELINO, MERRY AVILLA, MICHAEL PERAS, ISHMA BARRAMEDA, JANE SUPREMO, MARIEL CABAÑEROS, MELODIEN