Chapter 2 - Kerala Govt Logo

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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
Environmental Assessment ReportKerala Local Government Strengthening Projectvii.Any other land found suitable by the appropriate authorityThe activities will be planned, implemented and the resources will be maintained andmonitored by the institutions created for the purpose, viz.Grama Haritha Samithy at Ward Level comprising of stakeholdersPanchayat Haritha Samithy at Panchayat Level comprising of all Grama Panchayat WardMembers - Ex-officioBlock Haritha Samithy at Block LevelDistrict Level Haritha Co-ordination Committee at District Level chaired by DistrictPanchayat PresidentFor management in designated forest areas, PFM institutions in forest areas have to supportthe Forest Department in protection of forests and their biodiversity. In order to fulfill theobjective they are required to prepare and implement plans for:• Management of fires to reduce forest degradation• Introduction of sustainable NTFP harvesting practices to reverse the declining trend ofgrowth of valuable NTFPs.• Application of indigenous knowledge of local communities on forests and biodiversitymanagement.• Promotion of biodiversity related intellectual property rights and harnessing thisstrength for forest management.• Promotion of non-invasive eco-tourism in forest areas• Stopping illicit collection of forest produce• Stopping illicit activities in forests.• Stopping further encroachment into forestareas.• Reversing localized environmental degradationsuch as seasonal water shortage and soilerosion resulting from deforestation inwatersheds/catchments.The PFM institutions can undertake VillageDevelopment Programmes (Eco-developmentProgrammes) keep in view their commitment to theforests and the biodiversity for which detailedactivities are included in their micro plans.The Local Governments in Kerala, ingeneral, are not making use of theprovisions contained in the policy,even in the forest fringe Panchayats.However, there are new initiativesbeing taken through the convergenceof NREGS and management plans ofForest Department. The ESMFproposed will enable theidentification of permissibleactivities and encourage conservationmeasuresThe micro plans look at various aspects ofsustainable resource (forest as well as other resources) mobilization and incorporate activitiesfor utilizing them for socio-economic and cultural advancement. The LSGs can contribute toPFM by supporting the PFM institutions for undertaking various activities suggested in the microplans. Concerned Grama Panchayat Ward Member is an Ex-officio Member of the VanaSamrakshana Samitis (VSS)/Eco Development Committee (EDC) s (the PFM institutions in forestareas)22
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Chapter 2 - Kerala Govt Logo

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