National Forest Program (Forest Policy Statement And The Action Plan) 2015-2030

This National Forest Program is a national Program with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of this Program is 15 years between 2015 and 2030. The major objectives of this Program are a) institutional capacity building in forest management, b) strategy development for sustainable management and conservation of forests, c) encouragement of participatory forestry, d) integration and balance between forestry and other sectors, e) improvement of the multi-functional and participative forest resources management and the life standards in the forest villages, f) provision of national and international financing for forestry activities.
Sustainable use and management of forests will be enhanced by ensuring biodiversity conservation, ecosystem preservation and protection of forest resources. Forest areas and tree cover will be expanded and wood harvest and other productive uses will be implemented only on suitable limited forest areas. Adequate quantities of high quality planting and sowing materials will be provided through establishment of new modern tree nurseries, seed sources and installations. A wildlife management institute will be established to carry out control over hunting activities.
The living conditions for the rural forest dependent people will be improved by application of programs for diversification of income generation.
In order to ensure sustainable forest management, forest based cadastral surveys and management planning, monitoring and assessment of forests will be strengthened. Afforestation, reforestation, rehabilitation and conservation of forests will be carried out to ensure effective use of economic, environmental and social potential of forests. Development of forest recreation and ecological tourism will be supported. Forest protection will be improved by taking measures for preventing illegal logging and other destructive interventions. Trade of non-timber products by private sector as well as by small-scale enterprises and timber imports will be promoted. The data and information system will be updated and thus forest monitoring and assessment will be based on complete and accurate information.
Public awareness will be raised on the effects of climate change and measures will be taken for climate change mitigation and adaptation in forest sector. Furthermore preventive actions will be taken against pests, diseases and forest fires.
The Forestry Development Department under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources shall be responsible for the implementation of this National Forest Program. Institutional capacity building will be enhanced to generate solutions for the existing issues in the forestry sector and the participation of public and all key stakeholders will be promoted in forest management. The forest policies will be harmonized by the policies of other sectors.