Forest Governance: Hydra or Chloris? Forest Governance: Hydra or Chloris?

Deforestation, illegal logging, and biodiversity loss are major forest-related problems, but many governance initiatives have been initiated to address them. This Element takes stock of these issues and initiatives by analyzing different forest governance modes, shifts, and norms, and studying five cases. The answer to whether these initiatives can change established practices of forest decline will depend on geographies and local conditions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Forest-related issues are of utmost importance in today's world, encompassing a range of concerns such as deforestation, illegal logging, and biodiversity loss. While these challenges may seem daunting, numerous governance initiatives have been launched to address them. This Element aims to assess these issues and initiatives by examining diverse forest governance modes, shifts, and norms, as well as studying five case studies: forest sector governance, forest legality, forest certification, forest conservation, and participatory forest management.

A central focus of the analysis is on the effectiveness of these initiatives in altering established practices of forest decline, which are often characterized by the Chloris worldview. The question arises: can these governance initiatives succeed in reversing the decline of forests, or are they destined to fail, as suggested by the Hydra worldview? The answer to this question is complex and multifaceted, as it depends on various geographical and local conditions.

To guide the analyses, discursive institutionalism and philosophical pragmatism serve as guiding frameworks. These approaches allow for a comprehensive examination of the interplay between institutions, discourse, and practical outcomes in the context of forest governance. By employing these frameworks, the Element seeks to provide insights into the complexities of forest governance and offer potential solutions for promoting sustainable forest management.

This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core, ensuring that the insights and findings presented herein are accessible to a wider audience.

Weight: 136g
ISBN-13: 9781108810975
Edition number: New ed