Forest ecosystems

The socio-economic development plan for Sekong mentions increasing forest cover as one of its major objectives. This study focuses on natural regeneration (NFR) forests and what it would cost the country if NFR schemes were not undertaken. In a country where poverty alleviation is of prime importance, estimating the contribution of NTFP harvesting for sustaining livelihoods would demonstrate the importance of NFR schemes in achieving its poverty alleviation goals.

Protected areas are the cornerstone of virtually all national and international conservation policies. About 10% of the world's forests are to be found in protected areas, and Forest Protected Areas make a critical contribution to conservation. The purpose of this publication is to address two questions, both of which are strategic, complex and politically significant: What is, and what is not, a Forest Protected Area?

This report brings together 27 indicators of human and ecosystem wellbeing using IUCN's pioneering Sustainability Assessment method. It is intended to complement Wellbeing Scores software, which allows users to explore different standards and combinations of what comprises sustainable development. The publication may provoke debate amongst forest conservationists and critics and provide them with a platform for exploring this new software.

Of significant concern to governments in Southeast Asia is the rapid and extensive deforestation and forest degradation that has occurred in the recent past and in some cases is still occurring. The purpose of this publication is to assist stakeholders in the lower Mekong countries develop and implement ecologically and socio-economically sound forest rehabilitation policies and practices.