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International Forest Governance and Policy: Institutional Architecture and Pathways of Influence in Global Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Metodi Sotirov

    (Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany)

  • Benno Pokorny

    (Chair of Silviculture, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany)

  • Daniela Kleinschmit

    (Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany)

  • Peter Kanowski

    (Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia)

Abstract

This paper reviews the design of the international forest governance and policy, and analyses its impacts in addressing deforestation and forest degradation as global sustainability issues. Informed by literatures on international relations, regulatory governance of global commodity production, and international pathways of domestic influence, key arrangements are aggregated into six types, and mapped in terms of their main aims, instruments, and implementation mechanisms. Key analytical dimensions, such as the actors involved (state–private–mixed), the character of legal authority (legally binding–non-legally binding), and the geopolitical scope (global–transnational) helped to identify the potential and limitations of arrangements. They were assessed and compared in terms of their main pathways of influence such as international hard-law rules, cross-sectoral policy integration, non-legally binding norms and discourses, global market mechanisms, and direct access through capacity building. Our results reveal important challenges in the design and implementation, and in the pathways of influence, of the forest governance arrangements, including major inconsistencies with forest-adverse economic sectors. We conclude about the need for coherent international forest-related policy cooperation and integrative actions in agriculture, bioenergy, and mining to enhance the prospects of achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Metodi Sotirov & Benno Pokorny & Daniela Kleinschmit & Peter Kanowski, 2020. "International Forest Governance and Policy: Institutional Architecture and Pathways of Influence in Global Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:17:p:7010-:d:405252
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. So, Hau Wing & Lafortezza, Raffaele, 2022. "Reviewing the impacts of eco-labelling of forest products on different dimensions of sustainability in Europe," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
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    6. Mohamed Ismail Sabry, 2024. "State‐society relations and industrial sustainable growth: The case of post‐Revolution Tunisia," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(3), pages 1792-1810, June.
    7. Jane Koh & Shazali Johari & Ahmad Shuib & May Ling Siow & Nitanan Koshy Matthew, 2023. "Malaysia’s Forest Pledges and The Bornean State of Sarawak: A Policy Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-23, January.
    8. Azevedo-Ramos, Claudia & Pacheco, Jessica & Lima, Rayssa Yuki Murakami & Moutinho, Paulo & von Luepke, Heiner & Fischer, Richard, 2026. "Conservation and land-use governance in Brazil: Domestic and international interconnectivity," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    9. Wanner, Maximilian S.T. & Miljand, Matilda, 2025. "Unlocking the transformative potential of multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development: Assessing perceived effectiveness and contributions to systemic change," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    10. Muradian, Roldan & May, Peter, 2026. "Innovations and Dilemmas in Global Forest Governance - The Tortuous Pathway toward a Deforestation-free World: Introduction to the Special Issue," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    11. Erdozain, Maitane & Alberdi, Iciar & Aszalós, Réka & Bollmann, Kurt & Detsis, Vassilis & Diaci, Jurij & Đodan, Martina & Efthimiou, Georgios & Gálhidy, László & Haase, Marie & Hoffmann, Johanna & Jaym, 2026. "The role of social, policy and economic forces in shaping forest restoration practices in Europe," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    12. Huijie Li & Ru Jia & Ortwin Renn & Tianjiao Xu, 2022. "Managing Risks Arising from Conservation Complexities of Forests: Insights from China’s “Chief Scheme” Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-13, April.
    13. Banki T. Chunwate & Robert A. Marchant & Eleanor K. K. Jew & Lindsay C. Stringer, 2025. "Understanding Local Perspectives on the Trajectory and Drivers of Gazetted Forest Reserve Change in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-29, July.
    14. Radosavljevic, Maja & Rogelja, Todora & Masiero, Mauro & Andriollo, Elena & Glavonjic, Branko, 2025. "Information exchange network on timber legality among key actors in Serbia: An illustrative case study," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    15. Dieguez, Laura & Sotirov, Metodi, 2021. "FSC sustainability certification as green-lane for legality verification under the EUTR? Changes and policy learning at the interplay of private governance and public policy," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    16. Thomas Addoah & Joss Lyons‐White & Federico Cammelli & Keessy Maria‐Prisca Kouakou & Sophia Carodenuto & William J. Thompson & Cécile Renier & Rachael D. Garrett, 2025. "Is the Implementation of Cocoa Companies' Forest Policies on Track to Effectively and Equitably Address Deforestation in West Africa?," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 5197-5213, August.
    17. Laila Berning & Metodi Sotirov, 2023. "Hardening corporate accountability in commodity supply chains under the European Union Deforestation Regulation," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(4), pages 870-890, October.
    18. Heidarlou, Hadi Beygi & Mirshekarlou, Asma Karamat & Lopez-Carr, David & Borz, Stelian Alexandru, 2024. "Conservation policy and forest transition in Zagros forests: Statistical analysis of human welfare, biophysical, and climate drivers," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    19. Halušková, Lenka & Nousiainen, Daniela & Hujala, Teppo & Malovrh, Špela Pezdevšek & Uhan, Zala & Machoň, Miloslav & Jarský, Vilém & Burns, Sarah L. & Šálka, Jaroslav, 2025. "Navigating the international forest policy labyrinth: Domestic drivers of participation in the UNFF from Czechia, Finland, Slovakia, and Slovenia," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).

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