Abstract
This paper examines research papers on forestry economics targeting Asia that have been published in the Japanese journals Journal of Forest Economics and Forest Economy since 2001（hereafter, “forestry economics research on Asia”）, and reviews research trends and prospects in the field. To analyze research trends, the papers were categorized according to three key issues characterizing forest governance: “decentralization,” “concessions,” and “forest certification.” Subsequently, the papers were evaluated in terms of their contributions to “international environmental governance” and the “post-natural forest era,” and future research challenges were identified. We demonstrate empirically the trajectory from decentralization to the creation and utilization of plantation forest resources, a significant achievement in forestry economics research in Asia. However, we found that few studies have addressed international environmental governance issues, such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation, and future research should aim to tackle such global-scale challenges. In addition, as simplified, generalized concepts are increasingly being applied to forests within the context of international environmental governance, it is becoming increasingly important to disseminate research findings based on a regional understanding that highlights the multifaceted significance of forests and forestry.
