Fourth in the series, this profile explores the diverse and changing nature of Community Involvement in Forest Management (CIFM) in Western Europe. It provides some comparative European-level data on important social institutions which shape patterns of community involvement in forestry, and it briefly examines different national contexts. Through 12 case studies, this publication discusses some of the main economic, social, ecological and policy opportunities and challenges of CIFM in Europe, and outlines the principal lessons learned according to three key groups of actors: governments, NGOs and local communities. The profile also proposes some recommendations for policy and action in Europe.

Exploring a topic of vital and ongoing importance, Traditional Forest Knowledge examines the history, current status and trends in the development and application of traditional forest knowledge by local and indigenous communities worldwide. It considers the interplay between traditional beliefs and practices and formal forest science and interrogates the often uneasy relationship between these different knowledge systems. The contents also highlight efforts to conserve and promote traditional forest management practices that balance the environmental, economic and social objectives of forest management. It places these efforts in the context of recent trends towards the devolution of forest management authority in many parts of the world. The book includes regional chapters covering North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Australia-Pacific region. As well as relating the general factors mentioned above to these specific areas, these chapters cover issues of special regional significance, such as the importance of traditional knowledge and practices for food security, economic development and cultural identity. Other chapters examine topics ranging from key policy issues to the significant programs of regional and international organisations, and from research ethics and best practices for scientific study of traditional knowledge to the adaptation of traditional forest knowledge to climate change and globalisation.

This brochure presents a general factual overview of current EU efforts aiming to contribute to sustainable development of forestry, both within Europe and also at global level through the EU development co-operation policy. The objective is to present in simple terms the main ongoing EU actions and activities related to the forest sector, which are complementing and reinforcing the forest policies of the Member States.

Covers many of the important socio-economic issues of the management of forests in Europe.

In an increasingly urbanised world more and more people are turning to our forests and woodland for recreation and tourism. Based on a study of forest recreation from across Europe, the editors bring together the expertise of more than 80 leading professionals and academics to provide a clear and concise guide to best practice.

The objective of this publication is to present the policy and management approach of each member country on its protective forests. The goal of the member countries is to increase the resilience of mountain forests and ensure the sustainability of their protective functions for society. Each country report covers the following topics: 1) definition of protective forests; 2) characteristics of the national protective forest system; 3) challenges encountered in the management and strengthening of protective forests, including climate change impacts; 4) governance of the protective forest system; and 5) monitoring and planning systems for protective forests. Countries have defined, characterized, and identified challenges inherent to their protective forests, and it is through their appropriate governance, management and planning that the forests are able to provide ecosystem services in a sustainable way. In the context of a changing climate, the approach has to be revisited and adapted to novel and increasingly more uncertain conditions. This review of reports from 12 countries shows that especially mountain regions in Europe are facing common challenges and that different approaches can be learnt from each another. We hope that this report may provide a basis for further actions in transboundary and international cooperation for maintaining and enhancing protective forests.