Methodological Framework for Policy Coherence Assessment

To determine whether forest (restoration) policies align with multi-level and forest-related sectoral policy goals, it is essential to consider the various dimensions and scales of policy integration and coherence. For effective implementation, these policies should ideally align with both broader forest-related objectives and multi-level policy demands, while also balancing trade-offs within the forest policy subsystem, where economic, social, and ecological interests often intersect. While the embeddedness of forest (restoration) policy in this multi-level and multi-sectoral policy environment renders an optimal alignment of policies according to forest policy goals unrealistic, a thorough understanding of vertical and horizontal policy trade-offs and synergies can support a successful policy implementation, and thereby, the achievement of actual policy outcomes on the ground.