A general discusion on national forest programmes

Abstract

This paper mainly reviews the NFP process, as discussed by the IPF panel and European workshops in this field. It focuses on three issues i) basic terms, objectives and principles or elements of the concept NFP, ii) evaluation of national forest programmes, with justification, strengths and weaknesses, iii) implementation of NFPs, including requirements for success. Finally gaps in NFPs and priorities for future action are discussed. During the last years national forest programmes have received considerable attention as the reference framework for sustainable management. The following elements are considered as the most important: 1) participatory mechanisms 2) holistic and inter-sectoral approaches 3) national sovereignty 4) long term and iterative process 5) capacity building 6) effective co-ordination and conflict resolution schemes. A specific conclusion, which already can be drawn, proves that procedural instruments are too weak to achieve the NFP's objectives. Generally the following three limiting factors are recognised: funding, institutional capacity and co-ordination among all interested parties at the national and international level. However, the fact that issues of forest policy are back on the political agenda is seen as very advantageous. The overall conclusion is that the NFP process is far from rooted in national forest policies. The major problem is the vagueness of the term. Further clarification of the meanings and dimensions of the elements and principles is required.