‘Need to revisit forest policy for sustainable forestry practices’

DEHRADUN: Redefining forest management priorities and revisiting forest policy and laws for preparation of strong forest plans are among the recommendations that came out at the end of the 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference.

Representatives from 49 countries participated in the five-day event that concluded here on Friday.

Forest Research Institute (FRI) director Savita said the objective of the conference was to address emerging environmental concerns that confront the world at large, review real issues affecting forests and the people at large.

Besides, it aimed to provide a future road map for sustainable management of forests.

“The conference recommends an integrated approach to forestry, seeks cohesive solutions across sectors, regions, and boundaries while applying the ecosystem- and landscape-based management approaches and implementing adaptive management,” she said.

“New approaches will be required linking forest policy with other sectors, enhancing investment in participatory approaches, meaningful engagement of stakeholders, effective coordination, consensus building, addressing mainstream biodiversity concerns, developing adequate governance mechanisms and direct research and practices...,” the FRI director said.

Sidhanta Das, director general and special secretary, ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC), said despite tremendous biotic pressures, India succeeded in establishing a network of protected areas and their improved management.

“India has made considerable progress in adoption of such approaches, particularly in the case of conservation of tiger, elephant, snow leopard, Indian bustard, Gangetic dolphin and Dugong.

However, the challenge remains of managing widely distributed smaller patches of forests or what we call ‘managed forests’,” he added.