Forest management

The IUCN initiative “Strengthening Voices for Better Choices” (SVBC) is piloting improved forest governance arrangements, among others in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study was conducted in the Equator Province to try to answer questions about good forest governance, accountability arrangements, and the potential of SVBC-established structures to improve forest governance, among others. It also provides recommendations for further action research on accountability arrangements.

The Strengthening Voices for Better Choices (SVBC) project is currently operating in six tropical forest countries (Brazil, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam). To allow key stakeholders to acquire the skills and knowledge that will allow them to participate more effectively in the development and implementation of new and improved forest governance arrangements, a capacity needs assessment (CNA) process for the six national components of SVBC was designed.

This paper is a response to an IUCN internal review of the Strengthening Voices for Better Choices project, carried out in May 2007. The review recommended that a study be carried out, focusing on the process of implementation in Sri Lanka, in order to learn lessons about catalysing dialogue for improved forest governance. It is intended to serve as a learning tool for people involved in the Strengthening Voices for Better Choices project in Sri Lanka and beyond.

IUCN’s Strengthening Voices for Better Choices (SVBC) project aims to promote the adoption of improved forest governance arrangements in Viet Nam and five other tropical forest countries in Asia, Africa and South America. This summary report is an output of a larger national study conducted by SVBC in Viet Nam.

Presentación de la Iniciativa Puembo que contribuye a propiciar un espacio de diálogo para avanzar en la implementación del manejo forestal sostenible, atraer la atención política sobre el sector forestal, fomentar la agenda política forestal y a apoyar acciones en el plano nacional, regional e internacional.

This publication draws on lessons learned from Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea in forest management, community development, indigenous knowledge and access to resources and social networks within the broad framework of the sustainable livelihoods approach. The contents reveal how building workable partnerships among a diversity of stakeholders is fundamental to sustainable development.