This free e-course introduces policy analysis as a pathway to improving forest governance, empowering local people living in and near forests and creating a more sustainable and equitable socio-environment dynamic. 

Countries around the world and in the Asia-Pacific region increasingly recognize the impact of an inclusive and participatory forest governance system to solving the world’s greatest environmental challenges. How can policy analysis improve forest governance? Are there available tools for policy and legal analysis? Why do we need to involve civil society organizations and local communities in legal reforms? 

Policy analysis and forest governance 101 will address these questions and more. It focuses on the Asia-Pacific region, but the concepts can be applied throughout the world. The journey through the course includes experiential and reflective activities based on real-life conditions provided by civil society organizations working in the Mekong region. You will also have opportunities to share your ideas and collaborate with others. 

RECOFTC ran the course in 2021, 2022 and 2023. 

Key features

• Learn for free through experiential and reflective activities based on real-life examples
• Study at your own pace, dedicating five hours for online work and two hours for an offline assignment at a time most convenient to you
• Join a community of learners with opportunities to share ideas and collaborate with others
• Receive a certificate if you achieve 75 percent or higher in the assessment

Course schedule

Duration: 8 hours

Type: Online and offline, self-paced

Link: Enrol here

Course starts: 23 June 2025

Enrolment closes: 25 July 2025

Course ends: 25 August 2025

Who is this course for

This course is for people who work in the government, non-government or private forestry sector, particularly those working with forest communities or advocating for policies and laws to improve forest governance. It can be useful to members of civil society networks or multistakeholder forums who want to participate in forest governance.

Participants should have a working knowledge of English. Typical learners are professionals in the forestry and natural resources sectors interested in participatory forest governance; early career professionals working in the Asia-Pacific region who want to gain additional knowledge on policy analysis; organizations that seek opportunities for their employees to gain skills and learn how to engage with policymakers and how forest governance can help them achieve their goals. 

Topics covered 

• Session 1 explains the concepts of policy analysis for improved forest governance
• Session 2 presents examples of policy analysis tools
• Session 3 looks at the processes and conditions needed for civil society to participate and influence policies and laws
• Session 4 discusses how policy analysis can be used for advocacy 

Competencies you will gain

• Define basic concepts about policy analysis for improved forest governance
• Introduce examples of policy analysis tools
• Appreciate the importance of civil society networks and multistakeholder forums and their participation in processes for making policies and laws
• Recognize the role of policy analysis in advocacy

Certificate of completion

This course qualifies for a RECOFTC Certificate of Completion. Achieve 75 percent or higher in the assessment and become part of a global community with competencies on the basics of policy analysis and forest governance.

Policy analysis and forest governance 101 was developed through the V4MF project, with the financial support of the European Union, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Government of Sweden. The content of this e-course is the sole responsibility of RECOFTC.