Participatory planning in state and privately owned forests

Participatory forest planning consolidating the goals of different stakeholders

The project was set up to study participatory forest planning in forests owned by private citizens, the state and municipalities. The purpose of the participatory forest planning is to allow citizens and interest groups to participate in decision-making concerning the management and using of forests. During the process the objectives of the various interest groups were reconciled.

The study involved co-operation networks between regional Forestry Centres of Southern and Northern Ostrobothnia, Lapland and Kainuu. The interactive forest planning regarding forests owned by municipalities was studied in Helsinki during the period 2000-2004. The study showed that people who joined the planning groups were typically adults who enjoy outdoor activities and have a higher education. They were also unhappier about the regional forest management than the rest of the local population.

Additional information on the project: www.metla.fi/hanke/3286/index-en.htm