National Forestry Policy 1998.

This National Forestry Policy is a nationwide sectoral document aiming at (i) formulating appropriate policies on the protection of the environment, as well as management and development of natural resources and (ii) ensuring their efficient and effective delivery and implementation by the year 2000. The Policy is based on the following principles (i) ensure sustainable forest resources management; (ii) develop the capacity of all stakeholders in sustainable forest resources management and utilization; (iii) promote a participatory approach to forest development through close partnership amongst all stakeholders; (iv) facilitate private sector involvement in forestry development; (v) promote equitable participation by women, men and children and adopt an integrated approach, through intra and inter-sectoral coordination in forestry sector development. The document calls for ensuring gender equity in forestry management, production and utilization of forest products, extension training, and education. The strategic objectives of the paper can be grouped into three categories according to their functional areas, namely (1) Research, Planning, and Management Information Systems; (2) Natural Resources Management i.e. restoration, improvements, and extension services; (3) Human Resources Development.
The strategic objectives of the Policy can be grouped into three categories according to their functional areas, namely (1) Research, Planning, and Management Information System (2) Natural Resources Management i.e. Restoration, Improvements, and Extension Services; (3) Human Resources Development. As for sustainable forest resource and ecosystem management, the document aims at (i) ensuring the integrity, productivity, and development potential of the forest reserves; (ii) ensuring adequate protection of forests, by empowering local communities and promoting the development and use of forest and non-wood forest products; (iii) promoting investment in plantation forestry; (iv) ensuring sustainable management of forest ecosystems and biodiversity application through scientific and indigenous technical knowledge. For what concerns the forest-based industries and non-wood forest products development, the objectives are to (i) promote the growth of forest-based industries by ensuring raw material supply, facilitating capital formation, and ensuring the enhancement of new investments in forest-based industries and small-scale enterprises (ii) ensure sustainable management of forest resources for wood fuel production; (iii) recognize and support the development of non-wood forest products. In the field of Forestry Research Extension And Training, the document suggests (i) developing research expertise, and facilities and creating an enabling environment to meet forestry research needs; (ii) strengthening and developing extension skills and service delivery to effectively and efficiently reach stakeholders; (iii) develop extension skills and service delivery to effectively and efficiently reach stakeholders. The Policy also deals with the license issues and proposes to regulate their exploitation to ensure efficient use of forest resources and products.