**3. The SFM framework for Galicia**

The SFM framework proposed by the DXM represented a new approach to managing the forests of the autonomous region according to the principles and norms of sustainable forestry. The eight lines of action to implement of the framework included:


The goal of this chapter is to describe the Galician SFM strategy framework as initially envisaged, assess its evolution and implementation to date, describe important initiatives that have been undertaken by the private sector itself, and conclude with a summary of

In order to develop the strategy framework, the DXM relied upon guiding principles and foundations of SFM gleaned from international, European Union (EU) and Spanish policies and agreements. Although a wide range of documents were reviewed, the following

The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development in 1992; (UN General Assembly,

The Proposals for Action of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel of Forests and

The European Environment Action Programmes; (Council of European Union, 1998);

Furthermore, in order to ensure that a new strategy and its related programs would be consistent with forestry and environmental policy of the EU, the DXM reviewed and summarized documentation concerning relevant Community programs and initiatives. Further inspiration for the development of a new forest strategy was drawn from the concepts of hierarchical forest management (HFM) and integrated forest management (IFM). HFM is based upon the tenets of hierarchical production planning as described by such authors as Hax and Candea (1984). Explanations of the hierarchical approach to forest management can be found in various documents, but a paper by Weintraub and Davis

The term IFM has been used to describe several distinct (though related) concepts, but in the case of the strategy development effort in Galicia, IFM was taken to mean the integration of management processes and systems to ensure that the objectives of HFM are achieved

Based upon these foundations, a Strategy for Sustainable Forest Management for Galicia

The SFM framework proposed by the DXM represented a new approach to managing the forests of the autonomous region according to the principles and norms of sustainable

1. **Development of the legal framework for sustainable forest management**. SFM requires the formulation and enactment of integrated and coherent sets of policies, laws

2. **Establishment of integrated management structures and processes for sustainable forestry**. Based on the principles of HFM, new integrated planning, monitoring and

 Resolutions of the Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forests (MCPFE, 2011); Pan-European Criteria, Indicators and Operational Level Guidelines for Sustainable

what we believe that should be learned from the entire process.

agreements and resolutions were seen as being most relevant:

Intergovernmental Forum of Forests (IPF/IFF, 1998) The EU Forestry Strategy (Council of European Union, 1999)

The Spanish Forestry Strategy (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, 2000)

The Spanish Forestry Plan (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, 2002);

was developed and unveiled in the spring of 2002. (DXM, 2002)

forestry. The eight lines of action to implement of the framework included:

**2. Development of the initial strategy** 

Forest Management (MCPFE, 1998)

(1996) is especially recommended.

(Gallis & Robak, 1997; Robak, 1996).

**3. The SFM framework for Galicia** 

and regulations.

1992)

control structures would be implemented at the regional, district1 and forest management unit levels to ensure the continuity of strategic, tactical and operational decision processes.


The DXM believed that a new integrated process should be a critical component of the new strategy. The following sections of this paper focus on the new SFM process and supporting information infrastructure proposed by the DXM.
