Forestry policies, institutions and programmes

India

The basic objectives of the National Forest Policy, 1988 are:

  • maintenance of environmental stability;
  • preservation of the remaining natural forests;
  • checking soil erosion and in catchment areas to mitigate floods and droughts;
  • a substantial increase in forest cover through afforestation and social forestry programmes;
  • meeting the fuelwood, fodder, NWFP and small timber needs of the rural population;
  • increasing the productivity of forests to meet essential national needs;
  • encouraging efficient utilization of forest products and maximizing substitution of wood;
  • creation of a people¿s movement, involving women, for achieving these objectives.
India is a leader in community forestry and participatory resource management. The government adopted the mechanism of Joint Forest Management (JFM) in 1990. Its objective is to regenerate and develop degraded forests for environmental needs and to provide fuelwood, fodder, NWFPs and timber to local people living in and around forests. JFM has since been institutionalized by most states, although effective implementation of the approach at the field level has taken root in only a few states.

Biodiversity conservation has been made an integral part of forest conservation. Various conservation measures have been taken to strengthen legislation and eco-development efforts. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and its amendments of 1991 provide the legal framework for conservation of wildlife in the country. The amendment provides protection not only to wild animals and birds, but also to plant species.

Last updated: April 2002

last updated:  Friday, 19 February, 2010