Governing Tropical Forests: REDD , Certification and Local Forest Outcomes in Malaysia

Abstract

Attempts to prevent deforestation and to introduce more sustainable and adaptive forms of forestry management have a long history. Deforestation in tropical rainforest countries is endemic and it is recognised as a significant contributor to global climate change. In line with broader trends to harness 'new generation' environmental management, the governance of tropical forests has increasingly been shaped by non-state actors and mechanisms, such as forest certification bodies and the NGO sector. This has filled the gap left as a consequence of the inherent limitations of multilateral agreements and institutions in effectively implementing forest governance at a national and local level. Th..