Forestry Policies In The Caribbean Reports Of The 28 Countries

This document contains the conference papers which aimed to design appropriate incentives or disincentives to encourage sustainable development for three key areas: policy-enabling measures, price change policies, and policies directed at the needs of the resource user in Caribbean countries. Papers also cover ideas which would enable these countries to cope with, and respond to, international pressures which are limiting their capacity to design, implement, and regulate sustainable development. These pressures affect policies which concern international agencies and institutions regarding such issues as terms of trade, debt financing, and policing the unsustainable practices of multinational corporations, and other countries.

The critical role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation is now widely recognized. Forests contribute significantly to climate change mitigation through their carbon sink and carbon storage functions. They play an essential role in reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing adaptation of people and ecosystems to climate change and climate variability, the negative impacts of which are becoming increasingly evident in many parts of the world. In many countries climate change issues have not been fully addressed in national forest policies, forestry mitigation and adaptation needs at national level have not been thoroughly considered in national climate change strategies, and cross-sectoral dimensions of climate change impacts and response measures have not been fully appreciated. This publication seeks to provide a practical approach to the process of integrating climate change into national forest programmes. The aim is to assist senior officials in government administrations and the representatives of other stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the private sector, prepare the forest sector for the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. This document complements a set of guidelines prepared by FAO in 2013 to support forest managers incorporate climate change considerations into forest management plans and practices.

This regional report examines the emerging trends and considers the opportunities and challenges involved in promoting the contribution of the forest sector to Africa's sustainable development over the next two decades, including policy and institutional, demographic, economic, technological and environmental factors.

This report reviews the types of contracts used in the management of public forests. Agreements for forest utilization are analysed along with contracts for the acquisition of goods and services. The study illustrates the importance of an effective institutional and legal framework. The key elements to consider when awarding contracts are detailed, along with valuation, administration and ensuring the terms of the contract are fulfilled. Special attention is given to the importance of awarding contracts through a transparent and competitive process.