National Forest Policy of Bhutan 2009.

The framework for the National Forest Policy 2009 consists of the underlying principles on which the policy is based, a long term goal and major policy objectives and specific statements to enable various aspects of forest production, use and management. Main features of the Policy include: Integrated landscape level approach to sustainable forest management; All Government Reserved Forest land must be brought under management schemes focused on the sustainable supply of forest products or ecosystem services; Emphasis on poverty reduction; Promotion of forest-based industries through sound resource assessment; Balanced sustainable use and conservation of forest and natural resources with emphasis on efficient and environment friendly technology for value addition and waste minimization; Enabling conservation of a significant representation of the country’s biodiversity; Science-based and participatory approach to forest governance and management that respects the cultural values of the forests; Integration of climate change, disaster management and new challenges and opportunities in forest governance and management; and Enabling payment of environmental services.
Several principles have been considered while framing this policy. These are: Equity and justice in terms of access, optimal utilization, conservation of forest resources and its ecosystem services; Contribution of forest products and services to poverty reduction through integrated approach; Deregulation and devolution through people centred forest management practices and decision making; Application of good science and indigenous knowledge through integrated research and development in all aspects of forest management; and Allowing import of logs and sawn timber to enhance availability of timber material within the country while export of round logs and sawn timber shall not be allowed in order to encourage value-addition.
Bhutan’s forest resources and biodiversity are managed sustainably to produce a wide range of social, economic and environmental goods and services for the equitable benefit of all citizens and natural environment while still maintaining a minimum of 60% of the land under forest cover thereby contributing to Gross National Happiness. In order to achieve the policy goal, the following objectives must be pursued: Manage Bhutan’s forests for sustainable production of economic and environmental goods and services and meet the long term needs of society; Manage Bhutan’s forestry production for sustainable supply of timber, other forest products and environmental goods; Ensure long term sustainability of Bhutan’s biodiversity, ecosystem services, natural habitats and cultural heritage through a network of Protected Areas, biological corridors and management of the forest landscape; Provide for effective and integrated watershed management and contribute to sustainable livelihoods; Empower rural communities to sustainably manage forests for socio-economic benefits, poverty reduction; Facilitate raising forestry crop on registered land of individuals or institutions and accrue ecological, social and economic benefits; Enable an economically viable and efficient forest based industry aimed at adding value to forest products and build capacity of private sector and rural communities to utilise, process and market forest products; and Establish a dynamic organisational set up through institutional reforms for appropriate managerial and technical capacity to implement all policy objectives.