Draft National Forest Policy (NFP), 2018

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1 Draft National Forest Policy (NFP), 2018 Current Affairs ONLY https //currentaffairsonly.com/

2 Index 1. Context Introduction National Forest Policy The basic objectives that govern the 1988 National Forest Policy are Shortcomings of NFP National Forest Commission Some of the commission s recommendations are Draft National Forest Policy, Goal and Objectives The following objectives shall be guiding the National Forest Policy The following essential management principles will be pursued in this policy Expecting the Best out of Draft National Forest Policy (NFP), Conclusion Draft National Forest Policy (NFP), 2018 Page1

3 Context The Central government has come up with a new draft National Forest Policy (NFP), 2018, which takes into account a reality that has become the defining feature of the world today climate change. This latest development suggests that a new forest policy is on the anvil after 30 years. Introduction Forests are a dynamic ecosystem consisting of plants, animals & microorganisms safeguarding the ecological security of the nation. Forests provide the carbon neutral timber, non-timber products like medicines, grasses, & other ecosystem services essential for the very survival of the human beings. The forest policies of 1894 & 1952 have stressed on the production& revenue generation aspects of the forests where as the principal aim of National Forest Policy, 1988 was to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium which are vital for sustenance of all life forms, human, animals and plants. The 1988 Policy recognized that derivation of direct economic benefits must be subordinated to this principal aim. This policy has been instrumental in strengthening ecological security, sustainable forest management, and participatory forest management. In the meantime India has been participating in several international summits and conventions on protection of forests, wildlife and environment and stands committed to the goals set in there. Several objectives have also emerged during debates and deliberations in seminars and workshops at National Level. In view of these it has become necessary to incorporate these goals and objectives in the National Forest Policy. As a result of the implementation of the 1988 policy prescriptions, there has been an increase in forest and tree cover and reduction in the diversion of forest land for other land uses despite compelling demands from the increasing population, industrialization and rapid economic growth. However the, low quality and low productivity of our natural forests, impacts of climate change, human-wildlife conflict, intensifying water crisis, increasing air and water pollution and deteriorating environment have been the issues of serious concern.. The increased concerns for biodiversity conservation and the need to enhance forest ecosystem services, through new technological advancements and the continuously declining investments in the sector present new challenges for forest management in the country. Page2

4 Hence there is a need to revise the National Forest Policy, 1988 in order to integrate the vision of sustainable forest management by incorporating elements of ecosystem security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, forest hydrology, participatory forest management, urban forestry, robust monitoring and evaluation framework and establishment of mechanisms to oversee multi-stakeholder convergence in forest management, while building on our rich cultural heritage of co-existence and relying on our rich and diverse forest resources. National Forest Policy Historically our communities have always lived in harmony with nature, and participation of community in protection and management of common property resources has been a tradition. The British introduced scientific management of forests through a centralized approach to forest management and development. The first formal government approach to forestry can be traced to the enactment of the National Forest Policy of 1894 which stressed on conserving forests for maintaining environmental stability and meeting basic needs of fringe forest user groups. The policy was revised in 1952 and the new policy emphasised on extension of forests beyond the traditional forest areas. This gave impetus to social forestry and agro/farm forestry. This policy was the harbinger of the green movement in the country. It also proposed that 60% of the land in the hills and 20% in the plains and in all 33% of the total geographical area should be under forest/tree cover. The serious depletion of forest resources due to biotic and industrial pressure and other reasons made the policy makers review the situation in the late eighties and evolve a new strategy for conservation of forests. The National Forest Policy was once again revised in 1988, which envisaged community involvement in the protection and regeneration of forests. It accorded highest priority to sustainable management of the forest resource. The basic objectives that govern the 1988 National Forest Policy are Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and, where necessary, restoration of the ecological balance that has been adversely disturbed by serious depletion of forests of the country. Conserving the natural heritage of the country by preserving the remaining natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna, which represents the remarkable biological diversity and genetic resources of the country. Page3

5 Checking soil erosion and denudation in the catchment areas of rivers, lakes, reservoirs in the interest of soil and water conservation, for mitigating floods and droughts and for the retardation of siltation of reservoirs. Also checking the extension of sand dunes. Increasing substantially the forest/tree cover in the country through massive afforestation and social forestry programmes, especially on all denuded, degraded and unproductive lands. Meeting the requirements of fuel wood, fodder, minor forest produce and small timber of the rural and tribal population. Increasing the productivity of forests to meet essential national needs. Encouraging efficient utilization of forest produce and maximizing substitution of wood. Creating a massive peoples movement with the involvement of women, for achieving these objectives and to minimize pressure on existing forests. Shortcomings of NFP 1988 With the advent of population explosion crisis, forest cover has reduced far more than ever in the Indian sub-continent, thus, impaling the NFP of Some of the shortcomings of this policy are mentioned below An understanding of the terms environmental stability and ecological balance has developed over the years into something more profound than what was earlier pronounced out of these. As opposed to the constant instability in the environmental conditions, the term environmental stability is obsolete as mentioned in the NFP of In the same way, use of ecological balance is deemed outdated as it appears to have been used in ancient Greece to describe balance in nature. The basic terms that define this policy had to be reconsidered. The objective of prevention of soil erosion and denudation along rivers, lakes, and reservoirs is not properly enumerated. This policy statement lacks proper terms of reference and the official definition of a forest. Suggestions to improve total forest cover by implementing programs including Joint Forest Management, treatment of drought-prone areas, wildlife conservation, pollution control measures, forest protection and afforestation and implementation of environmental law are not well integrated in this policy. National Forest Commission Page4

6 The National Forest Commission, the first of its kind, was set up in It submitted its report in March Some of the commission s recommendations are Emphasis on the need to undertake scientific research to assess the optimum forest/tree cover according to forest type and topography to meet the intended objectives. Amendment of the Indian Forest Act, The forest department should implement the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Environment Protection Act. Re-scheduling of species under Wildlife Protection Act to avoid man-animal conflict. No further amendment and dilution of Forest Conservation Act, No change in the National Forest Policy of Draft National Forest Policy, 2018 The previous NFPs were focused on production and revenue generation of forests (NFP, 1894 and NFP, 1952) and environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance (NFP, 1988). NFP, 2018 talks about climate change mitigation through sustainable forest management. The overall objective and goal of the present policy is to safeguard the ecological and livelihood security of people, of the present and future generations, based on sustainable management of the forests for the flow of ecosystem services, the draft says. To address the issue of climate change, NFP, 2018 contributes to the forestry-related Nationally Determined Contribution Targets and by integrating, climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in forest management through the mechanism of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus) so that the impacts of the climate change is minimized. The draft policy document also talks about degraded land and how it can be improved by undertaking afforestation activities using public private partnership models. The lands available with the forest corporations which are degraded and underutilized will be managed to produce quality timber with scientific interventions. Public private participation models will be developed for undertaking afforestation and reforestation activities in degraded forest areas and forest areas available with Forest Development Corporations and outside forests, the policy document says. While the role of forests as climate change mitigation factor has been recognized, the draft NFP is vague on the issue of forests rights for forest dwelling communities. The Page5

7 document proposes creation of a community forest management mission for the community resource management under Forests Rights Act. As far as community forest resources management under Forest Rights Act is concerned, the new policy will address the same under participatory forest management and the same will be addressed through the proposed community forest management mission, the policy document says. Proposing to launch a new Community Forest Management Mission, bringing government, community and private land under the new proposed management system. The policy states that forest land diversion projects related to mining, quarrying, construction of dams, roads, and other linear infrastructure need to adopt special caution. It states that a National Board of Forestry and State Boards of Forestry are to be established to ensure monitoring of the spread of the forest areas and management of forest cover. It calls for developing sound ecotourism models with the focus on conservation while supplementing the livelihood needs of local communities. The draft policy indicates that CAMPA funds from the diversion of forest land by industry are to be used for purchasing wildlife corridors from people. The policy also asks for management plans for city forests, parks, garden and woodlands to nurture and sustain urban health, clean air, and related benefits. Climate change has also emerged as a major factor in the policy. Page6

Goal and Objectives The overall objective and goal of the present policy is to safeguard the ecological and livelihood security of people, of the present and future generations, based on sustainable

8 Goal and Objectives The overall objective and goal of the present policy is to safeguard the ecological and livelihood security of people, of the present and future generations, based on sustainable management of the forests for the flow of ecosystem services in order to achieve the national goal for eco-security, the country should have a minimum of one-third of the total land area under forest and tree cover. In the hills and mountainous regions, the aim will be to maintain Page7

9 two-third of the area under forest & tree cover in order to prevent soil erosion and land degradation and also to ensure the stability of the fragile eco-systems. The following objectives shall be guiding the National Forest Policy Maintenance of environmental stability and conservation of biodiversity through preservation and conservation of natural forests. Reverse the degradation of forest by taking up rehabilitation without compromising its natural profile. Improvement in livelihoods for people based on sustainable use of ecosystem services. Contribute towards achieving forestry related Nationally Determined Contribution Targets (NDC s) of the country. Checking denudation and soil erosion in the catchments of rivers and the wetlands through integrated watershed management techniques and practices. Maintenance of the health of forest vegetation and forest soils for augmenting water supplies through recharge of underground aquifers and regulation of surface water flows. Safeguard forest land by exercising strict restraint on diversion for non-forestry purposes, and strict oversight on compliance of the conditions. Increasing substantially the forest/tree cover in the country through Afforestation & reforestation programmes, especially on all denuded and degraded forest lands and area outside forests. Manage protected areas and other wildlife rich areas with the primary objective of biodiversity conservation and for enriching other ecosystem services. Conserve and sustainably manage mountain forests to ensure continuous flow of ecosystem services, including watershed, biodiversity, cultural and spiritual services to both upstream and downstream population. Factor green accounting, valuation of ecosystem services and climate change concerns adequately into the planning and management of all forests, protected areas and other ecosystems. Increase substantially the tree cover outside forests by incentivizing agro-forestry and farm forestry, facilitating assured returns, with enabling regulations and by promoting use of wood products. Integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in forest management through the mechanism of REDD+(Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus) so that the impacts of the climate change is minimized. Incentivize sustainability in community managed, community owned private forests and creating a sustained peoples' movement for achieving these objectives. Page8

10 Managing and expanding green spaces in urban and peri-urban areas to enhance citizens wellbeing. Ensure effective translation of this policy into action by establishing credible measuring, monitoring and evaluation framework, ensuring good governance, providing commensurate financial support and developing an implementation framework with periodic review. Essential Principles of Forest Management The following essential management principles will be pursued in this policy Existing natural forests should be fully protected and their productivity improved. Adequate measures will be taken to increase rapidly the forest cover on hill slopes, in catchment areas of rivers, lakes and reservoirs and ocean shores and, on semi-arid, and desert tracts. Productivity of the forest plantations will be increased through scientific and technological interventions so as to encourage usage of more timber so that the dependency on other high carbon footprint wood substitutes is reduced. Management of the natural biodiversity rich forests for maximising the ecosystem services for ecological security of the nation. For conservation of flora, fauna and total biodiversity, the network of national parks, sanctuaries, conservation reserves, community reserves, biosphere reserves and important wildlife corridors and biodiversity heritage sites will be strengthened and extended adequately. Afforestation with suitable species will be intensified so as to cater to the needs of the rural population for fuel wood and small timber. Further alternative sources of energy like LPG etc will be promoted in rural areas to reduce dependency on forests. Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) such as medicinal and aromatic plants, oil seeds, resins, wild edibles, fibre, bamboo and grass etc. will be sustainably managed for improving the income of the tribal s & other forest dependent populations. Promotion of trees outside forests & urban greens will be taken up on a mission mode for attaining the national goal of bringing one third of the area under Forests & trees cover and also for achieving the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC s) targets of the country. Page9

11 Expecting the Best out of Draft National Forest Policy (NFP), 2018 To begin with, a number of policies have been brought into effect since Independence with some or the other drawbacks holding those back from perfect implementation. Here a new page is being turned and we must hope that this National Forest Policy of 2018 would have the capacity to recognize the shortcomings of its predecessors, not repeat the same mistakes and move forward to excel in its preamble and goals of environmental development. A proper official definition of forests needs to be constituted with enforcement of laws and by-laws preventing harm to planted areas for our benefit. Ecologists and conservationists need to be consulted too with the advent of Silent Forests in the new draft, which means single-layered monotonous plantations of commercially viable plants and trees as opposed to a biodiversity-rich natural forest. This may have a drawback never seen before. The National Forest Policy of 1988 must be reviewed to reduce losses arising from negligence in its execution so as to save time and resources, now, when both are rare. Care should be taken to prevent any interruption in the existing environment related to land-use change, river diversions and preventing excessive plantations where existing ecosystems are at a loss. Conclusion The overall objective and goal of the present policy is to safeguard the ecological and livelihood security of people, of the present and future generations, based on sustainable management of the forests for the flow of ecosystem services In order. To achieve the national goal for eco-security, the country should have a minimum of one-third of the total land area under forest and tree cover. In the hills and mountainous regions, the aim will be to maintain two-third of the area under forest & tree cover in order to prevent soil erosion and land degradation and also to ensure the stability of the fragile eco-systems. For regular updates click on the ICONS below - Page10

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Draft National Forest Policy, 2018

(Approved Draft version) F. No. 1-1/2012-FP (Vol.4) Government of India Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Forest Policy Division Draft National Forest Policy, 2018 1. Preamble 1.1 Forests