This paper is based on the research undertaken for a three-year research project (1998 to 2000) ‘Creating space for local forest management’ of CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research), Bangkok, and its partners to assess existing devolution policies and their alternatives in the broader context of local governance, pluralism and negotiation. Financial support for the project was provided by IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development). The project gave special attention to women, indigenous groups and the poor.