Decentralization and participation: key challenges for Mediterranean public forest policy.

Abstract

Political principles for forest policy in the Mediterranean Region are analysed individually, considering their strengths and weaknesses, and are illustrated through encouraging examples and opportunities for development. The identified principles include: national sovereignty; decentralization; governance by contract; enforcement; capacity building; sustainable finance; minority protection (indigenous and local people); secure ownership rights (land tenure); equity; separation of powers; accountability; participation and partnership, transparency; iterative, audit and monitored; long-term commitment; holistic; consistency with international commitments; intersectoral coordination, consistency and synergies with other policies; integration with sustainable development policies; research and technology based; and conflict resolution.