Summary
This case study analyses two cases of alternative land use scenarios for intact forest landscapes within forest management units, one in Guatemala and another one in Russia. The study used a comparative analysis of land use options and considered land use, social and forest management contexts drawing on expert interviews and public reports. The study finds that in Guatemala commercial forest management has played a crucial role in maintaining the Maya Biosphere Reserve. The case study in Russia showed that FSC organizations with support from stakeholders can lobby the state to create a protected area. The study concludes with the following recommendations: the reference are and the landscape context should be determined, social dimensions should also be considered and the desire for policy changes from indigenous and local people should be considered as well as indirect impacts of forest management.