Market sphere

Forest and nature-based economies are not only crucial for human development and welfare; they also affect global land use patterns interwoven with environmental and social challenges, such as deforestation or displacement of smallholders. This theme analyses the interplay of markets and policies, including informal practices and rules, along forest landscape related value chains. We focus on people, from local producers to end consumers, who are often located in different global contexts. Besides global product value chains such as timber and agrofood, the issues covered here include markets for ecosystem services, such as climate mitigation or biodiversity conservation. A specific focus is on how local land managers – while adapting to multiple demands and drivers – respond to change through their land use practices, and the socio-economic and environmental consequences thereof.