Since its original publication by the International Institute for Environment and Development in 1999, Policy That Works for Forests and People has been recognised as the most authoritative study to date of policy processes that affect forests and people. Providing a thorough analysis of the issues, options and factors that determine different outcomes and bolstered by a major annex containing tools and tactics, the book offers clear and practical advice on how to formulate, manage and implement policies appropriate to different contexts. These are policies that result in real improvements in the governance, use and economic benefits that can flow from forests to those who depend upon them. This book is essential reading for policy-makers, forestry practitioners and academics and students in all areas of forest policy, management and governance.

This study, prepared within the ambit of The State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources, reviews what is known about the value of trees for tropical rural communities. It focuses on non-timber products harvested from trees in natural and managed forests and woodlands, the various products and services obtained from trees planted or retained in agroforestry systems, and the commercial products of tree commodity crops. The role of intra-specific genetic variation in determining the value of trees in supporting livelihoods is discussed in each of the three contexts. The study also identifies specific points that should be given particular attention in the future to better support tree-based livelihoods of rural communities in the tropics.

V. 1: Asia. Editors: Koen Kusters and Brian Belcher; V. 2: Africa. Editors: Terry Sunderland and Ousseynou Ndoye.

The social dynamics of deforestation and of forest protection are the ongoing interactions amongst social actors and processes that determine the use and management of forests. Based on a vast amount of research and detailed case-studies in Brazil, Central America, Nepal and Tanzania as well as several papers dealing with wider themes and regions, this book argues that most current discussions of increased rates of deforestation and perceived accompanying environmental crises are overly simplistic. Institutional reforms and policy measures that have been undertaken in developing countries usually failed to protect either the forests or people's livelihoods. Technical solutions to deforestation are only one element in what are essentially political questions. The central issue is not how to halt deforestation but rather how to manage forest areas and natural resources in order to meet social goals on a more equitable and sustainable basis. Conventional wisdom that attributes deforestation primarily to peasant ignorance and population growth is questioned as are other single factor explanations such as market and policy failures.

Forests play a very important part in the rural economy. The rural population largely depends on forests for their livelihoods. Degradation and deforestation of forests have a negative impact on the rural people. They increase suffering and poverty. At the same time, they pose a serious, global environmental threat. It is necessary that the livelihood option of rural population is secured while forest resources augmented. This can be done through participatory management. Redefining Forestry for Effective Livelihoods brings out key issues relevant to forest and livelihood, with a special focus on non-timber forest produce. It gives a detailed analysis about how forests play an important role in maintaining earth’s ecosystem and, thus, the vital balance of flora and fauna. The book also discusses the contribution of forests to the national economy. It also focuses on emerging research issues arising out of various policies and their impact on the forest-dependent poor. The book provides the essential findings, arguments, linkage of forestry sector with other development scenario and the possible way out for the future. This comprehensive book is a useful reference for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners working in the area of forest and livelihood.