This paper explores the role of government influence in shaping market-driven forest governance, with a specific focus on Germany’s public procurement policies. It examines how governmental regulations and procurement standards interact with voluntary forest certification schemes to promote sustainable forest management. The study highlights the ways in which public sector demand can drive environmental governance beyond traditional regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the significance of state involvement in legitimizing and supporting non-state market-driven governance systems. By analyzing policy instruments, stakeholder dynamics, and implementation challenges, this research sheds light on the evolving interplay between public authority and private market mechanisms in the pursuit of sustainable forestry in Germany.

Forest governance, public procurement, market-driven governance, forest certification, sustainable forestry, Germany, environmental policy, non-state governance, green procurement

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