This book offers the result of extensive research into the issue in six Latin American countries : Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras & Guatemala. The different chapters reveal important forest management experinces promoted by the municipal governments in varied regional, national and local contexts. It is our hope that this material will contribute to a better understanding of municipal forest management and be of particular value to ministry officials, legislators, project specialists, researchers, international aid agency officials, mayors, municipal technicians and officials of municipal associations.