Evaluating the use of an integrated forest land-use planning approach in addressing forest ecosystem services conflicting demands: Experience within an Irish forest landscape. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonsu, Nana O.; Dhubháin, Áine Ní; O'Connor, Deirdre
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 86(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Sustainable Forest Management Planning -- Conflicting Stakeholder Demands -- Ecosystem Services -- Scenario Development and Collaborative Learning; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2016.08.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Highlights: A framework that could be applied in an Integrated Forest Land-Use Planning (IFLUP) process is described and tested. Scenario development and stakeholder collaborative learning processes were applied and tested. An IFLUP approach has potential to address conflicting societal demands on forest ecosystem services within local forest landscapes. The collaborative nature of an IFLUP process helps build trust and respect among stakeholder groups as well as legitimacy and acceptance of sustainable forest management planning outcomes. Abstract: There is an increasing demand for genuine public participation in Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) planning to address the various demands for forests to deliver a range of ecosystem services. However, as of yet, there are few developed and tested mechanisms to help authorities and stakeholders with diverse interests to effectively work together to reach a common goal. Integrated Forest Land-Use Planning (IFLUP) is an approach that has the potential to accommodate multi-stakeholders' demands in the field of SFM planning. In this paper an IFLUP framework process that facilitates stakeholder participation in future-oriented SFM planning is explored. This framework combines scenario analysis and stakeholder collaborative learning. Its application in a case study area in the West of Ireland is outlined and its effectiveness in accommodating conflicting stakeholder demands on forest ecosystem services as well as its potential opportunities and challenges are evaluated. Based on the results and participants evaluation feedback of the IFLUP workshop outcomes, there was a shared view that the IFLUP approach has potential to address conflicting societal demands on forest ecosystem services within local forest landscapes. Likewise, collaborative learning process helps build trust and respect among stakeholder groups as well as improving the legitimacy and acceptance of SFM planning outcomes.