Forest Policy

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes8

Independent study hours57

Date of course confirmation09.03.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Civil Engineering and Wood Processing

Course developer

lect.

Ilze Silamiķele

Mg. silv.

Course abstract

The study course provides knowledge on the basic concepts and processes of forest policy. Master students are introduced with the principles of forest policy analysis, policy multiplicity and global and European forest policy, as well as the role and participation of the state and society in policy development and implementation.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Master students gain in-depth knowledge of forest policy processes, policy making, research methods, information accumulation and utilization. Skills to seek information, develop research methodology, plan and carry out experiments, process the obtained data.
As a result, the student is competent to independently evaluate and analyze theoretical and practical aspects of forest economics and politics, integrate acquired knowledge and skills into further professional and research activities.

Course Content(Calendar)

1 The concept of forest policy, scale, connection with other policies (2h lecture)
2 Factors influencing Forest Policy (1h lecture)
3 Climate policy in forest policy (3h lecture)
4 International organizations, processes in forest governance (3h lecture)
5 Interest groups, their interests in relation to the forest (2h lecture)
6 Seminar role-play - simulation of decision-making in the field of forest with the representation of different interest groups (2h)
7 Forest governance (2h lecture)
8 Interests and goals of the state as a forest owner (1h lecture)
9 Forest policy instruments (3h lecture)
10 Forest policy formulation, theoretical practical aspects (2h lecture)
11 Forest policy monitoring and evaluation (3h lecture)
12 Forest sector policy planning in Latvia (2h lecture)
13 Seminars - student presentations on forest policies of other countries (6h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

To obtain the right to take an exam, which testifies to the acquisition of a study course student should:
- attend at least 85% of classes;
- Participate and speak in seminar classes.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Preparation of an ~ 10-page essay on the forest policy of a freely chosen country.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

An essay was prepared and submitted, and presented in seminar classes.

Compulsory reading

Krott M. Forest Policy Analysis. [tiešsaiste]. Dordrecht, Springer, 2005. 323 p. [skatīts 22.02.2021.]. Pieejams: http://www.untag-smd.ac.id/files/Perpustakaan_Digital_2/POLICY%20ANALYSIS%20Forest%20policy%20analysis.pdf
McDermott C.L., O’Carroll A., Wood P. International Forest Policy – the instruments, agreements and processes that shape it. Department of Economic and Social Affairs United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat 2007. 139 p. [Skatīts 22.02.2021.]. Pieejams: https://www.un.org/esa/forests//wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Intl_Forest_Policy_instruments_agreements.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

Straptautiskais zinātnisko rakstu krājums "Baltic Forestry" ISSN 1392-1355
Forest Policy and Economics ISSN 1389-9341

Notes

Forest policy

Atsauksmes