Reforming forest tenure. Issues, principles and process Issues, principles and process FAO Forestry paper Series, Vol. 165

FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010 (FRA 2010) shows that 80 percent of the world's forests are publicly owned, but forest ownership and management by communities, individuals and private companies are increasing (FAO, 2010c). Globally, State ownership and management dominate forest tenure, but transitions are under way - more in some countries than in others. A more diversified tenure system could provide a basis for improving forest management and local livelihoods, particularly where State capacities to manage forests are weak. This publication provides practical guidance for policy-makers and others concerned with addressing forest tenure reform.