Local Strategies for Forest Development: Towards a Forest Innovative Policy?

This article investigates the political innovation represented by Local Strategies for Forest Development, focusing on two policy tools: Chartes Forestières de Territoire (CFT) and Plans de Développement de Massif (PDM). Employing the framework of technological innovation, it evaluates whether these tools constitute radical departures or incremental adjustments from the national forest policy reference. The study shows that the CRPF and FNCOFOR promote radical innovation through collective processes, targeted action on high-stake territories, and adaptation of objectives to local contingencies. However, they encounter significant challenges in fully securing recognition for their legitimacy and effectiveness, leading to divergent strategies for framing proximity-based approaches within the national policy context.