Policy and governance of forests
Course description
Forests have an important function in future societies, especially for their ability to fulfil multiple objectives. The complexity of making forest management decisions is increasing, for example due to a diversity of policies and laws (e.g., climate, biodiversity) affecting forests, diversity of interests among public and private stakeholders, and multiple levels of legal instruments and policies - local, national, regional and global. For local communities, forests can have different values, and the loss and/or degradation of forests remains a major concern in local and national policies.
The national level of forest policy is usually linked to legal instruments and recommendations, while the international framework is usually based on norms of different origins at international, regional, and national levels.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
SV0066, Policy and governance of forests, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2024-12-10
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Forestry Science
Sub-area forestry science
Goal, planning and policy 7,5 credits
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
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
The aim of the course is for the student to develop knowledge in key policy areas related to forests from an international perspective.
After completing the course, students are expected to be able to
- describe and analyse the international forest sector with focus on: economy, ecology, and social values.
- describe actors in international forest policy.
- identify, analyse, and evaluate international policy and legal frameworks affecting forests and forestry, including various sources of law, international agreements, voluntary frameworks (such as certification), and non-binding agreements.
- critically review and interpret, using international initiatives related to forests, the relationship of national law and policy with international law and policy.
- explain and apply theories of governance to forestry examples.
- demonstrate a good ability to argue relevant forest policy issues in speech and writing.
Content
The course aims to provide the student with a knowledge of theories and models of forest governance in an international perspective and together with creating an understanding of how international policy and law, processes and policy-based actors affect forests at the national level. At the international level, the focus is on relevant concepts in international policy and law and is related to the national forest sector. Important multilateral agreements related to forests are discussed, such as non-binding policy instruments, UN conventions (e.g. Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity), and other relevant international agreements (such as REDD+, FLEGT). Furthermore, other international collaborations related to forests are discussed, such as voluntary certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The course also discusses market and non-market-based policy instruments, together with legal ones to understand how international policy and law affect forests at the national level.
Implementation:
The course is based on learning activities including e.g., lectures, case studies, seminars, guest lectures, oral presentations, and written assignments. Activities can be individual- or group-based.
The following elements are compulsory:
- Some lectures
- Seminars
Cooperation with the surrounding society takes place through
- External lectures
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Approved oral and written presentation of project work and completed compulsory elements.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of forest bioeconomy and technology
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest Bioeconomy (MSc)
- Forest and Business Management (MSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Individual project work | 4.5 | 0001 |
| Seminar – oral reflection | 3.0 | 0002 |
Other Information
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.