Initiated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), ACT Global has begun developing guidelines and instructions aimed at assessing potential future scenarios in forest governance. The purpose of this effort is to enhance the capacity of local municipalities by providing them with the necessary tools and documentation to make informed decisions regarding forest management rights and responsibilities. The initiative is financially supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) as part of the project "Enabling the Implementation of Georgia’s Forest Sector Reform – ECO.Georgia“.

ACT Global will develop a detailed instruction manual to support municipalities in analyzing possible future scenarios for forest management. The manual will consider ecological, economic, and social impacts, as well as principles of gender equality and the active participation of local communities.

As part of the project, a Forest Management Toolbox—a practical guidebook—will also be created. It will bring together six different tools, including SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, institutional design, and others. Designed as a simple, step-by-step manual, the guidebook will enable local self-governments to assess current conditions, evaluate alternative future scenarios, and make informed, evidence-based decisions.

The Instructions on Future Scenarios for Forest Management and a Guidebook for the Toolbox will be developed within the framework of the project “Enabling the Implementation of Forest Sector Reform in Georgia - ECO.Georgia”, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by forest degradation through sustainable forest management, improving energy efficiency, developing forest-related value chains (timber and non-timber forest products and ecotourism), and strengthening the capacity of municipalities to reduce the demand for fuel wood and, consequently, reduce pressure on forests and unsustainable use of resources.