Oliver’s primary research interest is the political economy / political ecology of forest governance reform in developing countries. He mainly focuses on issues of: 1) democratisation, policy and reform rights reform and the associated political empowerment of forest users, 2) livelihood development and poverty alleviation at the forest – agricultural interface, and 3) integrated biodiversity management in forest management.
These interests have been developed through leading a range of research projects with partners across Asia region, particularly India, Nepal and Burma/Myanmar. He is co-author/editor, with Piers Blaikie, of ‘Forests, People and Power’ (Earthscan 2007).
Oliver has also worked as a forest and environmental policy advisor on donor-funded projects in India and currently Burma / Myanmar.
Oliver is the coordinator of the Burma/ Myanmar Development Research Network.
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