International forest governance and environmental policyLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Upon a successful completion of this course, the student describes the present state of the world's forests and forest use, and to recognise the related dynamics and challenges. The student defines the theoretical orientations and evolution of global forest governance, and explains its role in responding to global forest-related problems. He/she lists elements of international forest regime complex and recognise the most important processes, institutions, and agreements that have an influence on forests.  

Content

• The state of the world's forests and global dynamics and challenges. • The concepts of forest and environmental policies, regime, and governance. • Forest-focused processes and operators (e.g. FAO, ITTO, UNCED-UNFF). • Environmental conventions and forests (e.g. CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD). • Global Goals of Sustainable development (SDGs of Agenda 2030) and forest role in achieving them. • Regional (e.g. Forest Europe, Montreal) processes and Criteria and Indicators of SFM. Forest certification. • Multi-level and multi-stakeholder governance. • The role of stakeholders in global forest governance (EU, nation-states, forest industries and forest owners, environmental and social NGOs). • The role of interests, values, and principles in the search for a global consensus regarding forests. • Evaluation of poerformance and future of global forest governance. 

Materials

Materials assigned in lectures and course´s learning environment FAO. 2020. Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020: Main report. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca9825en Mery, G., Katila, P., Galloway, G., Alfaro, R.I., Kanninen, M., Lobovikov, M. and Varjo, J. (eds.). 2010. Forest and Society – Responding to Global Drivers of Change. IUFRO World Series Volume 25. Vienna. Luennoilla osoitettavat luvut.  Rayner, J., Buck, A. and Katila, P. (ed.) 2010. Embracing complexity: meeting the challenges of international forest governance. A Global assessment Report by the Global Forest Expert Panel on the International Forest Regime. IUFRO World Series Vol.28. Luennoilla osoitettavat luvut.  Katila, P., Galloway, G., Jong, W., Pachero, P. and Mery G. 2014. Forests under pressure – Local responses to global issues. IUFRO World Series Vol. 32. Luennoilla osoitettavat luvut.  Panwar, R., Kozak R., Hansen, E. (Eds.). Forests, Business and Sustainability. Routledge. 

Further information

Course is organised every other year (spring of the even year).

Execution methods

• Online teaching consisting of lectures and exercises • Course exam online and thereafter in electronic exam environment (EXAM) • Essee basing exercises along the the course

Accomplishment methods

Lectures and exercises (32 h), literature, essee, exams.