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Forest Policy and Economics I

Course developers

Replaced course

MežZB008 [GMEZB008] Forest Policy and Economics I

Course abstract

Knowledge on the basic concepts, processes, conditions for development and implementation of forest policy instruments are acquired in the study course. The principles of forest policy analysis, the role of state and society in the planning of political processes and the link of forest policy with other sectoral policies are presented to students. The skills of collecting and analyzing information and assessment of various regulatory documents and guidelines and comparison of forest policies of different countries are obtained in practical works.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

11. Students understand the principles of the development of forest policy and know forest policy implementation tools – test 1.
2. Students understand the principles of the evaluation of forest policy and relationships of forest sector with other sectoral policies and EU policies, strategies and political documents - test 2.
3. Students are able to search for proper literature and information materials, analyze and evaluate information on different forest policy issues – seminar.
4. Students are able to prepare presentations and informative materials related to topicalities and challenges of forest policy and justify their point of view - home works.
5. Students understand the principles and the role of organizations and other stakeholders involved in the forest policy development process– practical works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Concept of forest policy.
2. History of forest management and development of forest policy.
3. Forest policy objectives and ecological, economic and social aspects.
4. Factors influencing forest policy.
5. Forest resources and ownership (forest property forms).
6. The role of state in the process of developing forest policy (regulatory and supportive function).
7. Legislation, laws and normative documents.
8. Supportive function of state and its implementation in private forests.
9. Forest policy implementation instruments – regulatory, economic, informative – 2 h.
Test - 1
10. Principles and processes for the development and evaluation of forest policy.
11. Public participation and its role in the development and implementation of forest policy.
12. Characteristics and role of interest groups (stakeholders) in the development of forest policy.
13. Forest policy and policies of sectors of national economy - direct and indirect links.
14. Forest policy and regional development.
15. EU guidelines and international documents and their impact to forest policy– 2 h.
16. EU forestry strategy – 2 h.
Test - 2
17. Guidelines of Latvian forest policy and basic principles for policy development.
18. Forest policy in the EU countries and comparative analysis – 6 h
Seminar

Requirements for awarding credit points

During the semester, 2 written tests shall be carried out, the subject of which covers the issues affected by lectures, the practical work themes, and the information to be acquired independently.
All practical works provided in the lesson plan must be worked and credited. Need to participate in the workshops and tests must be successfully written.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Must prepare independently for tests, practical work and workshops.
For workshop lessons, students prepare presentations independently on certain topics falling within the theme of the course plan.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final score is cumulative, which is shaped from the assessment of 2 tests (each 30 %), practical and independent work (30 %), and activities during lessons (10 %).
Student presentations shall be evaluated in accordance with the assessment procedures set out therein.
The assessment of knowledge, skills and competence takes place on a 10-grade scale. A student may obtain a successful mark in a test, practical work and workshop if at least 50% of the questions are answered correctly.
The tests are in writing, allowing consumables only for practical tasks. If the assessment of the test or practical work is unsuccessful, the overall rate of study course rating is unsuccessful.
Attendance of lectures and lessons is mandatory. The delayed and uncounted practical works are reworked at the time and order specified by the Department of Forest utilization.
In case of unsuccessful quiz, for oral answer or rewriting is given one option at the

Compulsory reading

1. Krott M. Forest policy analysis. Springer, 2005. 23 p.
2. Fraser, Alastair. Making forest policy work. Springer; 2002. 280 p.
3. Developing effective forest policy. FAO Forestry Paper 161, 2010. 210 p.

Further reading

Wolfslehner B.; Aggestam F.; Hurmekoski E.; Kulikova E.; Lindner M.; Nabuurs G.J.; Pettenella D.; Pülzl H.; Giessen L.; Arets, E.; Baulenas, E.; Bozzano, M.; Derks, J.; Gatto, P.; Hendriks, K.; Linser, S.; Lovrić, M.; Masiero, M.; Mavsar, R.; Secco, S.; Sotirov, M.; Tekle Tegegne, Y.; Verkerk, H.; Weiss, G. Study on progress in implementing the EU Forest Strategy - Evaluation Study182, European Forest Institute, 2018. 182 p.
2. Guidelines for forest policy formulation. FAO Forestry Paper 81, 1987. 86 P.
3. Constance L. McDermott, Aran O’Carroll and Peter Wood. International Forest Policy – the instruments, agreements and processes that shape agreements and processes that shape it. Department of Economic and Social Affairs United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat, 2007. 131 p

Periodicals and other sources

11. Starptautiskais zinātnisko rakstu krājums "Baltic Forestry". ISSN 1392-1355.
2. Zinātniskais žurnāls “Forest Policy and Economics”. ISSN 1389-9341

Notes

For academic bachelor study program “Sustainable forestry” students