<Chapter 6> Evaluation of the institutional structure of sustainable forest management in the Netherlands

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the existing Dutch institutional structure on sustainable forest management (SFM). The evaluation was performed using criteria and indicators that were based on the four-dimensional structure (discourse, rules, power, and actors) of the policy arrangement approach. The data collection and analysis was done with a case study approach. All indicators show that the governmental capacity of the SFM arrangement is high. Most actors understand SFM in a similar way while accepting that different actors may emphasize different aspects of it. Some focus more on the economic functions of SFM while others focus on the nature conservation function. The SFM regulations (or interaction rules) are well known and not coercive, and are accepted by the respondents, likely resulting in enduring behavior change. The government and the actors who support the governmental SFM vision are powerful. Furthermore, the relationships between actors are positive and trusting. Given this high governance capacity, it is likely that the policy will be able to effectively realize its goals of sustainably combining the ecological, social and economic functions in most forests.