The ASEAN economic community (AEC) aims to achieve economic integration of ASEAN countries to produce a single market and production base, which will be more dynamic and competitive. Regional integration will focus on priority sectors including wood and related products. ASEAN in the AEC espouses equitable economic development and sustainable forest management. There is a need to examine how the changes brought by ASEAN economic integration can best be maximized by forest-based communities to meet the needs of expanding economies.

A panel of experts from the private sector, science and academe, civil society, and national and regional government formations will provide a dialogue on the possibilities and proposals to advance community forestry in sustainable value chains through case examples and policy reform. It is hoped that this dialogue can further advance the discussion on equitable development in the context of sustainable landscapes and an envisioned greener economy.

The questions that will be addressed in the session are:

Forestry in ASEAN economic community 2015: What are ASEAN’s plans to develop equitable, sustainable economic development in the forestry sector, especially for commodities such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and smallholder agroforestry? How can this be realized with other stakeholders in ASEAN? What enabling policies at national and ASEAN levels can be proposed to safeguard and advance these value chains, especially those that promote community benefit and involvement?
Forest products and sustainable value chains: The potentials of timber, non-timber and agroforestry products have been identified and certain markets and value chains for these products are growing. How then can sustainable, equitable value chains in the forestry sector, be promoted and incentivized at the national and regional level? What kind of collaborations and cross-sectoral initiatives are needed to increase uptake by different players and to sustain viability of all members in the value chain?
Green economy for sustainable landscapes: Clear tenure and access rights have legally protected people, driving sustainable wood-based products as they link to the market. How can these be replicated and up scaled, involving a wider range of products in promoting sustainable landscapes, poverty reduction and a green economy?

For more information on the session, visit: http://www.cifor.org/forestsasia/agenda-item/monday-may-5th/discussion-forums-2/equitable-development-indigenous-communities-social-forestry-value-chains/