Improving forest governance in the Mekong region -- SOFOR working paper

This report identifies opportunities for regional activities to improve forest governance in the Mekong countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Thailand,and Myanmar. The major objective of the proposed activities is to combat illegal logging and associated tradeandimproveforest governance in these countries. Doing so will contribute to improving livelihoods and economic development that rely on the long-term responsible and legal management of the region’s forest resources. This report is based on a series of workshops and analyses that were conducted in 2009 and 2010, as well as extensive interviews with experts from national and regional programs in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand,and Vietnam. Representatives from government, civil society, industry,and regional bodies such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)participated in twoworkshops held in Lao PDR and Vietnam.1Analysis was also doneto research Myanmar’s potential for involvement in regional activities. Annex 1provides afull description of the analytical and consultation approach