Multi-level governance of forest resources (Editorial to the special feature)

Abstract

A major challenge for many researchers and practitioners relates to how to recognize and address cross-scale dynamics in space and over time in order to design and implement effective governance arrangements. This editorial provides an overview of the concept of multi-level governance (MLG). In particular we highlight definitional issues, why the concept matters as well as more practical concerns related to the processes and structure of multi-level governance. It is increasingly clear that multi-level governance of forest resources involves complex interactions of state, private and civil society actors at various levels, and institutions linking higher levels of social and political organization. Local communities are increasingly connected to global networks and influences. This creates new opportunities to learn and address problems but may also introduce new pressures and risks. We conclude by stressing the need for a much complex approach to the varieties of MLG to better understand how policies work as instruments of governance and to organize communities within systems of power and authority.

Identifying opportunities to improve governance of aquatic agricultural systems through participatory action research

“…As the cases illustrate, fostering governance change is strongly influenced by a broader political environment that may enable or hinder improvements in representation, accountability, and distribution of authority (Adger et al 2005, Mwangi andWardell 2012). In Solomon Islands, for example, even after multiple system level stakeholders had invested years of effort, significant capacity, and finances into the SILMMA network, it continued to face substantial challenges to sustain and realize the functions of improved representation and coordination across scales (Cohen et al 2013, Ratner et al 2013b).…”

Building local institutions for national conservation programs: lessons for developing Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programs

“…As REDD+ in some countries shifts from a projectbased to a jurisdictional approach (Nepstad et al 2013), in which programs and institutional frameworks operate across entire nations, states, or provinces, experiences like those of Socio Bosque between the national government and indigenous communities to conserve forest commons become more relevant. Within such a context, the external policy environment plays an important role in facilitating or stifling sustainable management of forest commons (Ostrom 1990, Mwangi andWardell 2012). With much of the Amazon's tropical forest owned or inhabited by indigenous populations, a favorable policy environment is crucial for local organizations to be effective (Swallow et al 2002).…”

Absolute and relative power gains among state agencies in forest-related land use politics: The Ministry of Forestry and its competitors in the REDD+ Programme and the One Map Policy in Indonesia

“…More than ever, state agencies responsible for forest issues are required to balance the social, economic and environmental demands on forests in domestic and international spheres (Sayer and Collins, 2012;Mwangi and Wardell, 2012;Maryudi, 2012;Giessen, 2012;Giessen and Krott, 2009). These new and often cross-cutting issues may threaten traditional forest bureaucracies through, e.g., a redistribution of power among a number of land-use-related state agencies.…”