SV0009, International forest policy, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2021-11-17
Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Forestry Science

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The objective of the course is to develop knowledge in key policies related to forests from an international perspective.

After completing the course, students should be able to

• describe the international forest sector focusing on multiple interests: economic, ecologic and social values
• describe actors on the international forest policy arena
• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of main international policy and legal frameworks for forests and forestry, including different sources of law, international agreement, voluntary schemes (e.g. certification) and soft law and how this translate to impact the Swedish forestry sector
• by utilizing the international initiatives for forests demonstrate an in-depth capacity to relate national law and policy to international law and policy
• demonstrate proficient oral and written argumentation of relevant forest policy related issues.

Content

Forests are considered as an important function in future societies, particularly for its capacity to accommodate multiple goals. Complexity of making decision on forest management are increasing, because of e.g., numerous policy and law (e.g., climate, biodiversity), diversity of interests among public and private stakeholders, and multiple-levels of legal instruments and policies – subnational, national, regional and global. For local communities forests may have different values, and loss and/or degradation of forests is continuing to be of major relevance in sub-national and national policy. The national level of forest policy is typically connected with legal instruments and recommendations, while the international framework typically builds upon norms of different origin on both national, regional, and international levels.

In this course, students acquire comprehension on global policy and law, processes and policy-based actors related to forests on a national level. The focus is on international level, addressing relevant concepts of international policy and law and relate to the Swedish forest sector. Key multilateral agreements connected to forests are discussed, e.g., non-legally binding instruments, UN framework conventions (e.g., Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity), and other relevant international agreements (like REDD+, FLEGT). Further international relationships connected to forests are discussed, like voluntary certification schemes like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The course discusses market- and non-market-based instruments, together with key legal concepts to understand how international policy and legal frameworks affect forests in Sweden.

The course is based on learning activities including e.g., lectures, case studies, seminars, guest lectures, oral presentations, and written assignments. Cumpulsory sessions during the course consists of guest lectures and seminars Activities can be individual- or group-based.

The Forestry Science content is divided into sub-areas as follows:

7,5 credit Objective, planning and policy

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Approved oral presentations. Approved written assignments and completed cumpulsory sessions.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of forest bioeconomy and technology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Forest Science (BSc)

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Independent work	2.5	0001
Seminars	2.5	0002
Examination	2.5	0003

Other Information

The course is set up as a distance learning course with most lectures online. Seminars may be connected to campus Umeå.

The course SV0003, Forest policy and legislation in Sweden gives eligibility for the course.

SLU is certified in accordance with PRIME-principles, Principles for Responsible Management Education (http://www.unprme.org/). Further, SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses covers knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the triple bottom line, environmental social and financial value creation. To further strengthen this, we have specific sustainability goals for the education. Students are welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead to sustainability improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.