Plantations, Privatisation, Poverty and Power: Changing Ownership and Management of State Forests

A hundred years ago there were hardly any forest plantations. Today they cover over 187 million hectares worldwide and are growing by over 4 million hectares a year. Governments have played a major role as plantation developers and managers and as promoters and subsidizers of private-sector plantation investment. Yet, increasingly, tenure and use rights over the assets of state plantation enterprises are being transferred into private hands while government agencies are outsourcing plantation operations and support services. Experiences from around the world are described through seven case studies. Key lessons and clear guidance are provided on how governments can best achieve a balance between private and public involvement while continuing to deliver the key social goods and services expected by all citizens.