regional wood energy development programme in asia ... - CES (IISc)

(j) Based on the growing stock data collected by NFSIM, the present existing stock of
fuelwood species is sufficient to satisfy the demand for another 16 years. In the case of
bamboo, the stock is sufficient for 6 years. These figures are based on the assumptions
that a) the present annual rates of cut are maintained, b) no regeneration nor regrowth and
c) smaller diameter trees have been excluded.
(k) In order to reduce the demand on woodfuel more efficient fuel-saving stoves both for
domestic cooking and for industrial applications have been or are being introduced by
several concerned departments. However, the impact is still small.
8.2 Recommendations
The management activities, currently carried out by the Forest Department of Thazi Forest
Township, in controlling a sustainable flow of woodfuel from the resource area can be considered
satisfactory and systematic. Nevertheless, some improvements are necessary to ensure an even
better management of the country's valuable forest and tree resources:
(a) The woodfuel deficit problem of central Myanmar should not be treated as a local problem
but as a national problem because it has much broader development implications. As such,
it should not be the responsibility of a single department. The Forest Department can not
solve all the problems but needs more assistance and support from concerned sectors. A
multi-agency approach involving the Myanmar Agriculture Service (MAS), the Department
of Agriculture Mechanization (DAM), the Department of Energy Planning (DEP), the
Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise (MEPE), etc. is considered vital to solving to the
woodfuel and energy problems for the dry zone.
(b) Popular participation in forestry development should be encouraged wherever possible. The
Forest Department, in order to ease the pressure on the resource area, should promote and
develop community, village and private forestries in the vicinity of rural communities.
(c) Prior to entering in joint natural forest management schemes and/or developing community,
village and private forests, a clear and well-defined policy with regard to forest- and tree
products as well as privatization of the forest products and woodfuel trade needs to be
drawn up. Available land should be leased to the community as well as to individuals who
are interested and capable of carrying out local forestry development activities and
woodfuel trade. Such a lease period should not be less than 20 years.
(d) The Forest Department should take initiatives and support the formation of local
organizations at the village and community level to perform participatory forestry
development activities. Besides the transfer of technology and material support (such as
seeds and seedlings), trainings in participatory forestry are essential.
(e) The Forest Department should establish permanent forest nurseries in every township of
the dry zone for the supply of seeds and seedlings at cost (no profit).
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