Criteria and indicators for assessing sustainability of smallholder tree plantations in selected regions in The Philippines

A study was conducted in three regions in the Philippines to identify a set of criteria and indicators for assessing sustainability of smallholder tree plantations. The research method involved a combination of key informant interviews, focus group discussions and consultations as well as an examination of existing records, documents and forest regulatory policies at both national and local levels. Six criteria and 41 indicators were selected for assessing sustainability of smallholder tree plantations. The 41 indicators are distributed among the six criteria identified as follows: Criterion 1 − Enabling conditions for sustainable forest management (SFM) with 10 indicators; Criterion 2 − Forest Resource Security with 8 indicators; Criterion 3 − Forest Ecosystem Health and Condition with 2 indicators; Criterion 4 − Flow of Forest Products Produce with 9 indicators; Criterion 5 − Soil and water conservation with 2 indicators; and Criterion 6 − Economic, Social and Cultural aspects with 10 indicators. These criteria and indicators for smallholder tree plantations are designed to provide a comprehensive framework which will guide smallholder tree farmers and the Philippine government towards sustainable forest management