Countries

Forestry policies, institutions and programmes

Policies
The agriculture policy adopted in May 1991 envisaged an increase in the existing forest from 5.4 to 10 percent during the next 15 years. It also contained a commitment to combat environmental degradation and conserve biodiversity by improving the management of hill forests, watersheds, rangelands, irrigated plantations and by expanding social forestry, forest research, education and extension programmes. In order to help the implementation of the afforestation plans, special emphasis would be put on the concept of social forestry.

In view of the country¿s problems related to forest resources, including the difficulty of meeting fuelwood and timber demands, the Government decided to prepare a Master Plan for Forestry Development (MPFD), covering the 25-year period from 1993 to 2018.

Implementation of the MPFD started with fiscal year 1993-94. The Plan proposes the setting up of planning and evaluation cells in each provincial forest department to strengthen the planning machinery. It also proposes the establishment of extension wings in provincial departments and a central Monitoring and Evaluation Unit at federal level.

The forest policy was revised in 1991 and a new policy statement was issued featuring the following goals:

• Meeting the country¿s environmental needs and requirements of timber, firewood, fodder and other products by raising the afforestation area;
• Conserving the existing forest, watershed, rangeland and wildlife resources and developing them to meet the increasing demand;
• Promoting social forestry;
• Encouraging the planting of fast-growing and multi-purpose species in irrigated plantations, riverine forests and private lands;
• Generating opportunities for income and self-employment;
• Promoting NGO and voluntary organizations¿ support to public education programmes.

A National Conversation Strategy, adopted in 1992, has had an important effect on forest policy. The emphasis on meeting the country¿s environmental needs is a direct result of the policy for conserving natural resources. Growing concern for environmental protection has been reflected in the policy for conservation of forests and trees. In line with privatization and deregulation policies, great emphasis was placed on private sector intervention in forestry development. However, no forest area owned by a public sector forest industry has been privatized so far.

As a follow up to UNCED and given the concern about the environment impact of industrial projects, environmental protection agencies have been created at provincial and federal levels.

The most notable change in forestry administration is the creation of cells or wings in provincial forest departments for implementation of social forestry programmes. The staff of these cells approach farmers to explain the benefits of tree planting. Lectures are arranged in connection with congregation prayers. Occasionally seminars are held which farmers are encouraged to attend. Farmers' Days and Conferences are held periodically. Plantation Weeks are organized twice a year. Cash and other prizes are awarded to farmers who plant the most trees.

Last updated: August 2001