Forest Trends

FOREWORD During the last fifteen years, Bolivia has carried out a broad program of structural reforms centered on achieving greater macroeconomic discipline and a more efficient and smaller state. Radical changes swept across the national political and economic landscape. All these reforms have had a decisive influence on the forestry sector. New laws and regulations affecting forest resources were approved, culminating with a new forestry law in 1996. This paper looks at the experience of designing and implementing policy reforms in the Bolivian forestry sector. It does not attempt to evaluate the process of reform itself but rather to examine the main obstacles faced in its planning and implementation and how the lessons of the Bolivian experience could be transferred to other countries attempting similar changes. Given the drastic nature of reforms, the large informal sector and the weakness of government institutions when reforms started, it is not surprising that problems along the way were numerous. However, despite difficulties, progress has been significant. This, largely, was due to a successful alliance between committed Bolivian reformers and a very effective effort by international assistance agencies. Much remains to be done. However, the Bolivian experience shows that a dedicated government can do much to modify the management of the national forest resources. How reforms are being achieved is, no doubt, of interest to policy planners and decision makers elsewhere. Forest Trends and CIFOR wish to thank the authors, Arnoldo Contreras-Hermosilla and María Teresa Vargas Ríos for their exemplary work, as well as the local collaborators who supported this study by giving their time and knowledge. Bolivians have taken a series of courageous steps in the forestry sector. Without a doubt, Forest Trends and CIFOR, as well as many other institutions and governments will benefit from this experience. The evolution of the policy and institutional climate leading to the formulation of the new Forestry Regime. Preoccupation for respecting indigenous rights and local priorities, and for achieving greater efficiency and equity in the access to and management of forest resources through a decentralized public administration.