ABSTRACT
This chapter sets the scene by introducing the main forest problems and their causes. Forest problems are the result of a syndrome of many causes; and action on only one front will rarely solve them. Many of the causes which underlie most forest problems arise outside the forestry and forest industry sectors. Institutional failures can explain many of the root causes of forest problems, and are strongly related to policy failures. Together with conflicts between land use policies and local rights, these lead often to forest problems concerning weaker groups. In conclusion, there are almost always several causes of a specific forest problem, and these interact in complex and often unpredictable ways. Consequently it is not surprising that single-issue, single-stakeholder or single-tool solutions have failed to alleviate forest problems. Additional incentives, such as subsidies, are required to ensure appropriate forest management.
