Course code MežZ5045

Credit points 4.50

Forest Ecoonomy and Policy I

Total Hours in Course120

Number of hours for lectures24

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes24

Independent study hours72

Date of course confirmation30.03.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Forest Management

Course developer

author Mežsaimniecības institūts

Lelde Vilkriste

Dr. silv.

Course abstract

The study course acquires knowledge about the role of forest resources and policy in the development of the national economy and its impact on the development of forest management, various certification systems, forest policy implementation instruments in Latvia, Europe and the world. Students are introduced to the principles of forest policy development and analysis, the role of the state and society in planning political processes, the relationship of forest policy with other sectoral policies, as well as the latest research, publications and results of international forest policy working groups and projects. In practical work, students acquire skills to collect and analyze various types of information and materials, evaluate it and argue opinions on aspects of forest policy.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the course, students will have:
* knowledge of the role of forest policy in ensuring sustainable management of resources and development trends of forest policy in Latvia and in the world (practical work; homework; participation in discussions);
* skills to research, summarize, evaluate and analyze information on theoretical and practical aspects of forest policy and solutions and challenges in Latvia and abroad and to argue opinion (practical work; homework; presentation);
* understanding of the principles of forest policy development, the impact of implementation tools on the planning of the use and management of forest resources, as well as the relationship with other sectors (practical work; participation in discussions; presentation).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Forest resources and classification systems (lect. -1h; pr.w. -1h).
2. Description of Latvian, European and world forest resources; their role in the national economy and in the development of forest policy (lect. 2h; pr.w. - 2h).
3. History of forest management and development of forest policy (lect. -2h; pr.w. -1h).
4. Forest management planning - economic and political aspects (lecture - 2h; pr.w. - 2h).
5. Criteria and indicators of sustainable forestry (lect.-1h).
6. Forest certification process, systems and standards in Europe and the world (lect. 2h; pr.w. - 2h).
7. Development of forest policy formulation, guidelines and principles (lectures - 1h; pr.w. - 1h).
8. Groups of forest resource users and their characteristics (lect. -1h; pr.w. -1h).
9. The role and impact of associations, organizations and political parties on forest policy processes (lect. -1h; pr.w. -2h).
10. Forest policy implementation instruments and their impact on forest management (lect. -3h; pr.w. -3h).
11. The role of the society and participation in the development and implementation of forest policy systems (lect. -2h; pr.w. -1h).
12. Formation of public opinion and public relations systems (lect. -1h; pr.w. -2h).
13. Direct and indirect connection of forest policy with other sectoral policies and strategies (lect. -2h; pr.w. -1h).
14. Forest policy and international cooperation - working groups, projects and other activities (lect. -2h; pr.w. -2h).
15. Forest policy as a science - current research and foreign experience (lectures - 2h; pr.w. - 4h).

Requirements for awarding credit points

The final test consists of a written part and an oral part on theoretical issues and topics acquired in practical work.
All practical works, all independent work and homework and presentation on the comparison of forest policy implementation in three European countries must be credited before final the test.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The independent works means to develop/ complete the started practical work in detail, preparing the assigned homework, additionally getting acquainted with a more detailed presentation of the issues covered in the lessons and preparing presentations or materials for discussions. All works must be designed and submitted within the specified deadlines, in accordance with the instructions given in lectures and practical classes.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

If all classes have been attended, all practical tasks have been completed and passed in time during the semester, homework has been completed and the presentation has been defended - the final test may not be taken.

Delayed and non-credited practical work must be developed in accordance with the procedures and at the time of admission specified by the lecturer no later than two weeks after the delayed lesson (if there are justifying documents for a long delay - within two weeks from the resumption of studies).

Compulsory reading

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

Further reading

1.Forest Policy and Economics in Support of Good Governance. EFI Proceedings, No. 58, 2010. 189 p.
2.Guidelines for forest policy formulation. FAO Forestry Paper 81, 1987. 86 p.
3.The Multifunctional Role of Forests –Policies, Methods and Case Studies. EFI Proceeding No.55, 2008. 381 p. 4.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.

Periodicals and other sources

1.Starptautiskais zinātnisko rakstu krājums "Baltic Forestry". ISSN 1392-1355.
2.Zinātniskais žurnāls “Forest Policy and Economics”. ISSN 1389-9341
3.https://star-tree.eu/
4.www.ec.europa.eu
5.www.fao.org
6.www.forestryfocus.ie
7.www.iufro.com

Notes

Study course for students of the specialization direction "Forest Economics and Politics" of the master's study program "Forest Science" of the Faculty of Forestry.