A ‘mixed model’ for the formulation of a multipurpose mountain forest policy.: Theory vs. practice on the example of Kyrgyzstan

The formulation of policies, which can promote multiple use of forests in mountain regions, requires rigorous methods and approaches, based on established theories. A relevant conceptual framework is the ‘mixed model’, which is based on both rationalist and communicative action theories. With such a model, based on the policy cycle theory, the precision of multipurpose forestry objectives and means remains as the main task of the public authority (especially the forest service), but this can only result from discussions with various stakeholders in both public and private sectors, at central and local levels. The model works through a permanent confrontation between owners’ and users’ interests, expressed by representatives involved in policy formulation. Such a negotiation approach is used for analysing the present situation and issues (strong and weak points), for defining and structuring various objectives of the policy, as well as for defining different strategies and measures to be implemented to achieve those objectives. Further discussions of different positions among the participants finally lead to negotiated common solutions for future policy. Such a method is particularly adapted to public decision-making in mountain forests, where demands from various stakeholders are numerous and problems urgently need to be solved. The mixed model necessarily brings compromises between competitive or complementary social needs and interests, and automatically promotes multifunctional forestry management schemes and measures. However, that does not mean an easy implementation of such a conceptual frame.