Voluntary agreements to protect private forests – A realist review

There is increasing political interest in the use of voluntary agreements (VA) as a policy instrument. The attraction has grown also environmental policy, VAs are expected to be less costly, more effective and cost-efficient than regulation. Using realist review methodology, our analysis focuses on effect contextual factors mechanisms private forest owners' willingness enter into formal nature conservation agreements. framework we analyse effects includes: owner characteristics, attributes, institutional context process, advisors other owners, contract design, for – economic attitudes, sense autonomy, justice fairness, trust well knowledge, mechanisms. allowed merging findings from different types varying contexts systematized way, consolidating evidence how influence programme implementation its outcome. 43 reviewed articles, an originally retrieved set 2231 papers, provide attitudes supporting agreement. Environmental strengthened by wishes protect heritage, suggesting considerable through personal, emotional attachment forest. This finding shows central role played with compensation importantly affecting VA. Along these results, developed comprehensive analytical can become if tailored owners.