Detennining demand priorities of various stakeholders regarding forest goods and services in the context of sustainable forestry: a case study from Turkey

Abstract

Forests supply various goods and services for individuals and groups. This requires that forest management decisions be not made by foresters only. The interaction between forestry and the society is an integral part of sustainable forest management. In Turkey, State Forest Enterprises are the main forest management mıits tlıat manage public forests according to tirnber-oriented management plans prepared by foresters. These plans omit the social dimension and direct participation of relevant stakeholders. This is a prelirninary study to include the social dimension in forest policies and management strategies. The case study in northeastem Turkey involved urban, rural, managerial, industrial and recreational stakeholders as well as non-govemrnental organizations. In view of the findings, guidelines for forestry adrninistrations at local and national levels and a framework of sustainable forest policies and strategies were developed