Continuing high rates of deforestation and forest degradation and the poor contribution of forests and forestry to poverty reduction are undermining efforts to promote sustainable forest management
(SFM) in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It is often argued that by implementing appropriate policies, legislation and institutional arrangements SFM can be attained and that widespread economic, social and environmental benefits will result. Almost all countries in the region have moved towards SFM at the policy level and in many countries institutional structures are also gradually changing. This report reviews the status and trends in forestry policy and institutions and outlines the extent to which changes in policies, legislation and institutional arrangements aimed at supporting transitions towards SFM have been effective. Trends in governance and the extent to which efforts to tackle illegal logging have been effective are also assessed.