This publication reflects the outcome of an initiative to identify instances of exemplary forest management in Asia and the Pacific and to examine the core components of high quality forest management in an effort to illustrate good forest management to a wide audience and encourage others to take up some of the most promising ideas, methods and approaches. Twenty-eight case studies were selected.

The report provides examples of how people have successfully tackled challenges in managing their forests based on an analysis of 172 forest communities in Asia and the Pacific. Cross cutting success elements, the report finds, are the existence of a management plan, implicit or explicit political support coupled with consensus on forest management objectives, and collaborative efforts. Though the focus of this book is on successful projects, Patrick Durst explained in one interview, "The case studies featured in the book should not necessarily be perceived as 'the best' among the nominees. In selecting the case studies, we looked for geographic diversity, a range of management objectives, diverse forest ownerships, different sized-forests, and compelling stories."

Case studies included in this volume include the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Fiji, Korea, China, Lao PDR, and Japan.