%0 Research article
%T Strengthening top-level guidance in geographically hierarchical large scale forest planning: experiences from the Finnish state forests
%A Hiltunen, Veikko
%A Kurttila, Mikko
%A Pykäläinen, Jouni
%D 2012
%J Silva Fennica
%V 46
%N 4
%R doi:10.14214/sf.909
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/909
%X Different planning approaches conclude to different results. The  top-down approach allocates resources efficiently from the top-level  perspective, while the bottom-up approach provides optimal results for  the lower levels. Integrated approach that combines the elements of  these two basic approaches provides compromise solutions for decision  makers. The aim of this study was to examine potential efficiency  improvements in hierarchically structured large scale forest management  through increased top-level guidance. The resulting effects on the  acceptability of the plans on the lower level were also studied. Large  scale planning typically considers forests owned by states, companies  and municipalities. In the case study of the Finnish state forests,  alternative country level solutions were generated by combining regional  forest plans in different ways. The results showed that the currently  applied bottom-up approach, which produces regionally optimal management  strategies, did not result in the most efficient use of resources on  the country level. However, the new country level solutions did not  produce huge improvements in the country level objective values compared  to the results of the current approach. Furthermore, if country level  efficiency improvements were emphasized more, together with wide  approval by regional stakeholders and local residents, new kind of  interaction and participation between the planning levels and also  between the regions would be needed.