This publication provides readers with an introduction to community forestry, taking eight country examples from Europe and Asia. In each example the legislation and organizational forms are described, and environmental, economical and social aspects discussed. The publication is intended for forestry students, forestry practitioners and policy makers, and interested members of the general public.

Five case studies from India provide insights and lessons learned on possible responses to climate change in semi-arid rural areas in the states of Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. They draw experience from the Vulnerability Assessment and Enhancing Adaptive Capacities to Climate Change (V&A) pilot programme, implemented 2005-2009 with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.