National Forest Policy 2011.

The National Forest Policy is a national policy with a sectoral approach. The goal of the Policy is the sustainable management of the forest resources to provide for the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations, to contribute to the sustainable development of the country, to enhance the quality of human life, as well as protection of biological diversity and ecological processes.
Forestry sector contribution to food security will be promoted through sustainable agro-forestry and wildlife farming practices.
Ecosystem preservation and protection of species and genetic diversity will be ensured through (i) conservation of ecologically functional areas of all forest ecosystems, (ii) conservation of forest cover on hillsides and other vulnerable areas, (iii) rehabilitation and restoration of forests, including in sensitive or critical areas, (iv) use of appropriate native species in all reforestation initiatives, (v) land-use planning, (vi) protection of endemic and migratory native species, (vii) ex-situ conservation for endangered, threatened or rare species, and (viii) preventive measures against invasive alien species, unsustainable forest practices, natural disaster and illegal construction. In order to maintain and enhance the natural productivity of forest ecosystems and ecological processes to provide important ecosystem services, measures will be taken for protection of important wildlife habitat, critically important watersheds, sensitive ecosystems, land vulnerable to natural disasters, and coastal zones, as well as of areas which are important for soil conservation and prevention of land degradation, important in climate regulation and in agricultural production. Reforestation and forest rehabilitation will be promoted to increase the carbon sink contribution of forests.
Equitable and effective participation of the private sector and civil society with the Government will be ensured in the forest management, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. Community based programs will be developed for equitable and fair benefit-sharing in management and use of forest resources.
Fair and equitable benefit-sharing arising from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge will be ensured. Access to forest goods and genetic resources will be enhanced to optimize the contribution of forest resources to livelihoods. Local production of timber will be increased in an ecologically sustainable and economically viable manner. In addition use non-timber forest and wildlife resources as well as non-extractive uses will also be promoted to bring livelihood benefits to local communities. Intellectual property rights arising from forest resources will be protected with legislative, administrative and policy measures. For sustainable forest management, this Policy addresses participatory management, technical and financial instruments, capacity building, knowledge management and knowledge sharing, research, education and awareness, livelihood development and cooperation at the regional and international levels. Ecological data will be collected to guide a broad ecosystem approach to forest management, sustainable use and conservation. Furthermore a national database will be established for forest management. Technical and financial support will be provided for sustainable forest-based industries and small businesses.
Early warning systems will be used for the impacts of climate change. Forest management will be adapted to climate change.
Participatory monitoring and evaluation of implementation of the National Forest Policy is coordinated by an inter-sectoral committee. This Committee will be appointed by the Cabinet with administrative support from the Forest and Protected Areas Management Authority.