Tree Plantations for CBFM Development

This paper reports the results of a two-and-a-half week study meant to spearhead an analysis of the appropriate policy environment, incentives, and implementation mechanisms for the following: (a) the deregulation of the harvesting, processing, and marketing of planted trees in CBFM areas and LGU-managed forestlands, (b) the establishment of LGU-funded tree plantations, and (c) for inducing private sector investments on community-level forest utilization. The study included a quick review of documents pertinent to the development of CBFMA and five days in the field interviewing DENR, LGU, and CBFMA officials and members. An effort was made to observe from an outsider’s viewpoint and to issue recommendations “outside the box” of current thinking, if appropriate.