Cross-sectoral policy linkages and environmental accounting in forestry

It is important to analyze cross-sectoral policy linkages and to quantify their effects by using the system of integrated environmental and economic accounting in order to ensure effective integration of forestry into national development. This paper reviews relevant policy linkages in the forestry sector, policy applications of forestry accounts, and challenges to their implementation. It argues for the need to develop regional or local accounting methods providing social, environmental, and economic data to allow assessment of the combined impacts of different public policies. It emphasizes the urgency of strengthening the management capacity of public agencies in dealing with complex policy networks addressing sustainable and multifunctional forest management. © 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.