National Forest Policy 1998.

The National Forest Policy is a national policy with a sectoral approach. The overall goal of the National Forest Policy is to enhance the contribution of the forestry sector to the sustainable development as well as to ensure sustainable management and use of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Multipurpose afforestation will be promoted for all different uses of forests. Ecosystem preservation will be ensured through conservation of forest biodiversity, water catchments and soil fertility. New forest reserves will be established in biodiversity-rich areas for biodiversity conservation and then will be upgraded to nature reserves for more effective protection. In-situ and ex-situ conservation programs including gene banks for endangered species will be established. Sustainable supply of forest products and services will be ensured through effective management of forest reserves under local and central government, critical watersheds, forest areas with high biodiversity, forest on public lands, and traditional forests.
Employment opportunities will be increased through industrial development and trade of wood and non-wood products in the forestry sector. The level of income of forest owners and rural communities will be increased through the development of forest-based ecotourism, besides the existing wildlife tourism. Private sector and community involvement will be encouraged in the development of ecotourism in forest areas. Joint management agreements will be established to ensure access and benefit sharing amongst all stakeholders in forest management and conservation. Appropriate user rights will be granted to the local communities for forest produce, including land tenure for both men and women. Private and community forestry activities including agro-forestry will be supported through harmonized extension services and financial incentives with a gender sensitive approach. In addition beekeeping activities will be promoted for local communities as an income generating opportunity.
Forest-based industries will be enforced to carry out forestry activities in accordance with the forest management plans based on the principle of sustainable forest management. Furthermore industries engaged in forestry sector will be promoted to use technology in forest harvesting and wood processing. Trade of wood and non-wood products will be regulated in an environmentally sustainable manner to prevent forest destruction and degradation. Multiple-use forest inventories, data collection and research and development studies will be strengthened as the basis for sustainable development and management of forests as well as biodiversity conservation. Public awareness will be raised on all the aspects related to forest conservation and management. Resource assessments will be conducted to provide information on raw material base to the mechanical and chemical wood industry. In order to reduce uncontrolled use of forests, forests on public lands will be allocated to villages, private individuals and to the Government. Furthermore new forest reserves will be established and demarcated by the central, local and district governments. The use of alternative energy sources will be promoted through research to reduce the pressure on fuelwood production as well as to ensure forest conservation. Research, training and technology transfer will be strengthened in artisanal wood production to identify specific tree species suitable for wood carving. Private sector investments will be promoted in non-wood products industry to use full potential as well as to be more competitive in domestic and international markets. But still investments will be promoted according to the environmental impact assessments. A Database will be developed for wildlife management to gather accurate information on wildlife species and their habitats.