Chapter 2 - Kerala Govt Logo

Chapter 2Policy, Legislation and Regulation2..2..1.. Polliicciiess2.2.1.1. National Forest Policy 1988National Forest Policy, 1988 and the subsequent policy documents and approaches to forestconservation and management, together aim at ensuring environmental stability andmaintenance of ecological balance. Direct economic benefits shall be subservient to theabove. The objectives shall be:1. Preservation/restoration of critical catchment areas of streams, rivers and other waterbodies.2. Conservation of natural heritage of local wild biodiversity through preservation ofnatural habitats3. Increase forest and tree cover through identifiable stakeholder groups in private andpublic lands.4. Produce fuel-wood, fodder and small timber requirements of the rural populations5. Encourage efficient utilization of forest produce for reduction of consumption6. Minimize pressure on existing forestsThe Local Governments (LGs) shalli. work through identifiable stakeholder groups for bringing about 1⁄3rd of the area underforest/tree cover in ordinary areas and 2⁄3rd of the area in hilly regions and outsidedesignated forest areas. The stakeholder groups shall be fully involved inpreservation/creation and protection of natural habitats and the critical catchmentareas mentioned as item 2 above.ii. support the stakeholder groups in the above activitiesiii. support conservation educationiv. not support forest based enterprises except that at village/cottage level unlessavailability of raw materials are fully assured but without sacrificing the basicrequirement of the local population. However, LGs can encourage forest basedenterprises to raise required raw-materials (including NTFPs) through publicparticipation outside forest areas.v. undertake environment protection and conservation outside forests through peoplesparticipation at the local level.vi. establish local level institutions for afforestation of areas outside forests, formulaterules for the same and undertake afforestation.vii. encourage private forestry among land owners andviii. assist stakeholders in utilizing and marketing the productsIt is suggested that the following areas may be selected for management outside designatedforest areas:i. Ecologically fragile areas (Seashore, Inland water bodies and shores, wetlands, watercourses etc. These are Public Trust properties with open and limited access)ii. Biodiversity rich habitats (sacred groves, bird habitats etc.)iii. Institutional lands (Land available with public and private institutions)iv. Public lands (Land available with various Public Departments)v. Plantations (Own/lease lands with private individuals and companies)vi. Homesteads