Forest Policy.

The Forestry Policy is a national sectoral policy adopted by the Government of Grenada to provide guidance to all stakeholders concerned with the wise use and sound management of the country’s forest resources. The goal of the Policy is to maximize the contribution of forests to environmentally-sound social and economic development in Grenada. The Policy provides the following objectives: a) conserve species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity; b) maintain, enhance and restore the ability of forests to provide goods and services on a sustainable basis; c) optimize the contribution of forest resources to social and economic development; and d) maintain a positive relationship between the people and their forest environment. The Policy is divided into the following subsectors: biodiversity, mangroves, non-timber forest products, recreation and eco-tourism, timber production, tree planting, watershed management, and wildlife management.
In relation to biodiversity, the Policy seeks to to maintain representative samples of all forest ecosystems; protect all species which are important because of their endemicity, rarity or value; build awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and its importance; promote the sustainable use of genetic resources for social, spiritual and economic benefits; build the capacity of institutions to participate in the conservation and management of biodiversity; create incentives and other mechanisms to encourage the conservation of privately-owned forests; encourage the participation of government and community stakeholders in programmes for biodiversity conservation; and minimize conversion of natural forests into plantations. In relation to mangroves, it will seek to promote their sustainable use, and develop legislation to control the use of mangroves and to allow for contractual agreements between owners, users and government. In relation to non-timber forest products, the POlicy aims at promoting the incorporation of non-timber forest product management in all forest areas; establishing collaborative management arrangements between users and owners; conducting research into the traditional, modern and potential uses of non-timber forest products; and increasing the supply of raw materials for arts and craft. As regards ecotourism, the aim is to provide opportunities for forest-based recreation; bring social and economic benefits to communities located near forest areas; minimize negative impacts of recreational and touristic uses on the forest; involve communities in the development and management of ecotourism sites; and review institutional arrangements for the management of protected forest areas to ensure that it is integrated, effective and efficient. In relation to timber production, the objective is to rationalize production and develop and use a code of practice for all timber harvesting and extraction on State land. In relation to tree planting, it will seek to encourage tree planting to reduce soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and enhance the environment; develop programmes to encourage stakeholders in tree planting in urban and rural areas; and create incentives for tree planting on private lands. In relation to watershed management, the Policy seeks to adopt an integrated approach to watershed management; conserve all ground and surface water resources and protect from pollution and depletion; maximise soil cover and prevent deforestation in all watershed areas; minimise soil erosion and sedimentation, particularly for the benefit of aquatic species and ecosystems; control infrastructural development and improve farming practices in catchment areas; develop incentives for proper watershed management practices; and identify and recommend alternatives for activities detrimental to watersheds. Lastly, in relation to wildlife management, it will seek to conserve wildlife for the benefit of public education, hunting, recreation and biodiversity; limit the negative impacts of wildlife on agriculture; conduct research on population dynamics of important wildlife species; develop effective systems to control hunting and the sale of wild meat.
Further the document aims at minimising controlling all burning and wild fires in forest areas.
The Policy will be implemented by the Government of Grenada and all stakeholders. The Forestry Department (Ministry of Agriculture) and the Agriculture Division (Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs) will have a key facilitator role in the implementation of the Policy.