A review of independent forest monitoring initiatives and lessons to learn

Exploring credibility gaps in Voluntary Partnership Agreements: A review of independent forest monitoring initiatives and lessons to learn identifies several ways in which civil society and community participation could improve the effectiveness and reliability of VPAs. Independent forest monitoring has been a feature of international efforts to improve forest governance and reduce illegal logging since the 1990s.This study shows how and why the people who can do most to protect forests at a local level do not have currently enough of a say, which is bad for them and for the forests. It’s essential reading for those designing, funding, supporting and implementing monitoring by local civil society groups and communities.