As a result of the BO Cluster International FLEGT project (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade), a discussion paper of Wageningen UR has appeared that outlines the major issues to be dealt with by decision-makers at international, national and sub-national levels when considering whether to establish and expand forest plantations for sustainable production in a particular country or area. LEI is one of the partners of the BOCI FLEGT project. There has been renewed interest in forest plantations in recent years, both among the public and private groups, and the general consensus is that forest plantations will increase in importance in the coming years.
In this discussion paper, the costs and benefits of forest plantations are analysed in environmental (‘planet’), economic (‘profit’) and social terms (‘people’). Process aspects (the fourth P) is also discussed at various levels to ensure stakeholder dialogue, coordination and decision-making when dealing with the first three Ps.
Report