"This paper focuses on decentralization of central state control over natural resources, especially forests. The subject is important for at least three reasons. The lives of millions of households are affected by how governments manage forests and their willingness to admit local claims. Two, the factors that lead to durable decentralization of forests may be relevant in other arenas in which attempts at decentralization are being analyzed. And finally, decentralized decision making can be seen as an inherently important concern of democratic life."