Policy Options for Stabilising the Forest Frontier: A Global Perspective

The purpose of this paper is to summarise different research results about the impact of macro-level factors and “extra-sectoral” policies on tropical forest cover. Specifically, we are interested in the forest margins — i.e. the spatial transition zone between tropical forests and converted land uses. What are the policy factors that accelerate frontier expansion, and which ones tend to slow it down? The term “extra-sectoral” refers to all the things that happen outside of forests and forestry, yet nevertheless have a significant effect on forests. For instance, how do changes in international trade and a country’s balance of payment affect deforestation? What does it mean for pressures on forests that a country drastically devalues its currency? What is the role of population growth?