Forestry Sector Policy.

The Forestry Sector Policy is a national sectoral policy which sets forth long-term, medium-term and short term objectives relating to the sustainable use of forest resources. The long-term objectives of the Policy are: a) to meet the people’s basic needs for forestry products on a sustainable basis; b) to contribute to food production; c) to protect land from degradation; d) to conserve and use biological diversity and genetic resources in a sustainable manner; e) to create opportunities for income generation and employment. The medium-term objectives of the Policy are: a) to promote public participation in land and forestry development, management and conservation; b) to improve the organizational framework and institutions. The short-term objectives of the Policy are the following: a) to provide increased opportunities to people for forestry resource management; b) to manage natural forests in order to contribute to socio-economic development; c) to strengthen institutions and legislation.Regarding land-use planning, existing land-use categories will be improved so that productivity is increased and the forestry sector will be developed. Land and forestry resources will be managed and utilized according to their ecological status on a sustainable basis. The production of forest products in natural forests, farm and commercial plantations will be promoted. Land-use planning will be ensured also as an integral part of ecosystem management. The production of fuelwood, timber, fodder and non-wood products will be increased. Livestock management on the amount of fodder production and highland pasture will be the base to improve forest management and to increase the production of fodder by community efforts. An integrated national forge development program will immediately be designed to improve pasture and livestock management. Emphasis will be given to improve breeds in order to increase productivity and control livestock populations to reduce demands for feed. Reforestation will be done in depleted forest areas to fill production gaps.The policy aims at contributing to the eradication of poverty in rural areas. To this end, it sets out measures concerning assistance and advisory services to households for the management and utilization of the forests. The principles of decentralization will be applied in the forestry sector through community forestry. Priority will be given to underprivileged communities. The poor will be employed in forest based industry. Fair incomes will be paid to rural poor who collect raw materials.The policy further aims at enabling more inclusive and efficient forestry systems. Emphasis will be given to integrated farming for strengthening soil conservation and watershed management for research and extension. The involvement of the private sector and non-governmental organizations will be enhanced. Private forestry will be promoted by encouraging plantations on farms and other private land. Commercial plantations will be promoted especially in the Terai. Research on multipurpose trees, bamboo, shrubs, medicinal and aromatic plants will be conducted in order to identify improved stocks for planting. The involvement of the private sector in the controlled harvesting and distribution of wood and other forest products will be promoted. The efficiency of pricing policy of forestry products will be improved and an internal market system will be promoted. Research on farming systems will be coordinated for a better pasture and livestock management. Communities will be encouraged to grow commercial forest crops and to establish forest based processing enterprises outside of the community forest. For the promotion of private involvement in forestry sector development: a) the land tax on private land used for the plantation of forest species will be reduced, b) the land-holding ceiling for the private land will be extended, c) financial support to private nurseries and plantations at low interest rates will be provided, d) import regulations on essential commodities will be made easier. Forest industry will be improved by a) making low cost financing available, b) liberalizing the import of raw materials, c) supporting technical and vocational training, d) promoting the commercialization of non-timber forest products. Public participation will be enhanced through effective conservation education and extension activities. Community forestry will be promoted by entrusting forest protection and management to user’s groups and by supporting and empowering these user’s groups. Education on nature conservation and forestry will be promoted. All accessible hill forests will gradually be handed over to local communities. Participation of women in users' communities is encouraged.The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MFSC) is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the policy. Policy coordination among sectors is the responsibility of the Government and especially of the National Planning Commission. An Environment Division with a strong Biodiversity Section, a National Biodiversity Steering Committee and Forestry Sector Coordination Committee has been established within the MFSC. In addition, a ministry for implementing environmental programs which safeguard the lives and property of people will be established. New legislation will be developed and existing legislation will be amended for better conservation of land and forests.