National Forest Policy 2022.

The National Forest Policy 2022 is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The main objectives of this policy are: (I) to maintain or enhance the biodiversity and ecological functioning of forests; (II) to increase the area of land covered by forest and other forest vegetation types; and (III) to optimize the contribution of forest resources to livelihoods and to the economy.
This policy lays down strategies for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem preservation. Ecologically functional areas of all forest ecosystems found on both State and private lands, including ecological corridors, buffer areas and critically threatened areas, will be conserved. The legislative framework will be aligned to other legislation addressing species protection or to the national obligations under conventions. The organization of the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division will be restructured to include horizontal and vertical increases in positions for the forest management. The coordination mechanisms which are based on formal institutional agreements with all cross-sectoral authorities whose responsibilities intertwine with the forest management issues, will be improved. The collaboration with regional and international partners and donors for knowledge sharing on new, innovative, and best practices in forest management, will be promoted. Measures will be taken to protect native genetic species and ecosystem diversity which cover a multitude of plants, animals, and micro-organisms inhabiting in forest areas. Relevant strategic documents and operational plans will be adopted to address negative impacts of invasive species and prevent their introduction. Co-management mechanisms will be introduced by establishing communication protocols and regular education programs with village councils and local communities.
Measures will be taken to increase the area of land covered by forest and other forest vegetation types. In order to avoid losses and conversion of the primary forest or ecologically sensitive forest vegetation areas, a “no net loss of forest” policy will be implemented. The current management of forested areas designated as protected areas on State lands will be improved through the adoption of management plans and formal definition of buffer zones. Continuous monitoring protocols, research, and best science will be carried out to increase the knowledge on forest condition and the cover type. The capacities and skills of Division staff in forest management will be enhanced and educational programs will be implemented for private forest landowners and Kalinago community. Guidelines containing minimal forest management practices will be developed to promote the maintenance and sustainable use of forests on private lands and Kalinago territory. The rehabilitation and restoration of forest on degraded and deforested State and private lands will be promoted and supported. As a mechanism to sequester carbon, the maintenance or increasing the land area for forest cover will be promoted.
The contribution of forest resources to livelihoods and to the economy will be maximized. Sustainable extraction of forest resources, including timber, game animals and other non-timber products, will be ensured. Sustainable forest-based industries for both timber and non-timber forest products will be developed. This policy addresses the management of access to genetic resources, protection of intellectual property rights and fair benefits from the use of forest genetic resources. Traditional, subsistence and small-scale extractive uses of forests and cottage industries that are legal, sustainable and compatible with conservation objectives, will be supported with a special emphasis on those that are capable of bringing livelihood benefits to local and indigenous communities. Forestry contribution to food security will be promoted through sustainable agroforestry and initiatives for organic agriculture development will be supported. Sustainable development of nature-based tourism on all forested lands will be supported, in compliance with biodiversity objectives and ecosystem-based approach. Sustainable forest management will be ensured for the provision of critical ecosystem services such as water production, carbon sequestration, erosion control and coastal protection.