Forests Law

The Law sets provisions regarding restoration, protection, reparation, development and sustainable use of forests in the country. The Forests Law consists of 43 articles, divided into 5 Chapters: General Provisions (I); Protection and Sustainable Use of Forests (II); Restoration of Forests (III); Guidelines (IV); Miscellaneous Provisions (V). The main objectives of this Law include: sustainable management of forests’ resources; encouraging people to actively collaborate in protection and sustainable use of forests; improvement in the forests’ production; prevention of environment pollution; reduction in the impacts of destructive winds; prevention of filling of lakes and dames with sands and soil; prevention of soil and water erosion; prevention of floods dangers; increasing of groundwater; regulation of surface water; restoration and protection of national parks; protection of wild animals and birds; protection of life diversity, ecosystem and natural habitats; keeping order in the high-security and strategic areas; prevention of desertification. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock is the authority responsible to implement the provisions of this Law. All real and legal persons are allowed to construct forests in their private lands. The Forestry Associations are established to facilitate administration, restoration, protection, and exploitation of forests, as well as research activities and use of scientific, technical and economic information in the development of forests. Destruction of forests’ resources or change of forests to the agricultural fields are forbidden unless with the explicit permission of Council of Ministers and only with the aim to make better use of land in terms of economic, social, or environmental benefits. All affairs regarding the trees outside the forests shall be managed by the users or the landowner. In order to preserve forests and prevent desertification, forests associations with the cooperation of official authorities shall: give priority to the cultivation of local plants and forests creation; prevent forest fires; preserve plant coverage in the riversides; prepare the program of green Afghanistan and all the necessary regulations. In an emergency situation, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock may forbid the use of forests, exploitation of forests, use of timbers and forests’ rangelands, temporarily or permanently. Use of timbers as a fuel is forbidden. Exportation of timber only is possible with an official certificate.