Institutional Pluralism in Forestry: Considerations of Analytical and Operational Tools

Abstract

"In the current forestry context a wide variety of individuals and organizations have an interest in resource management. A range of new approaches in forestry planning and management have emerged, especially over the past two decades, developed in collaboration with interests and stakeholders which were either historically excluded or failed to find political support for their demands. Objectives in the forestry sector have also multiplied and forest management is considerably more complex than it was during the early period of this century. In particular, there is a widespread recognition that exclusive management of forest resources for single objectives is no longer feasible as a long-term strategy, except in the case of very limited, well-delineated areas. Pluralism describes the interplay of this multiplicity of ideologies, interests, actors and organizations, which have combined to create the current scenario and which can contribute to future development."