The University of Southern Queensland, Australia, along with Griffith University, Australia and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan, have developed a methodology to evaluate the quality of forest governance in developing countries. The methodology employs both a top down and bottom up approach, includes multi-stakeholders, and uses multilevel and multistage consultation processes.

To replicate and customize, where required, the aforementioned methodology, ICIMOD, in collaboration with University of Southern Queensland, conducted a study using a normative framework of principles, criteria and indicators (PC&I). The study aimed to assess governance quality and develop “verifiers” for 11 governance indicators for community based forest management systems (CBFMSs) at local, sub-national, and national levels in four countries—Nepal, Bhutan, India (Mizoram) and Myanmar.

Objectives

The objectives of this consultation workshop are:

1. To update local and sub-national level forest stakeholders about the project findings;
2. Seek suggestions for the refinement of the developed verifiers; and
3. Rank developed verifiers on the basis of their importance at their levels.