Pillar seven of the National Forest Policy is dedicated to Forestry Research, Innovation, and Training with the aim to address the critical need for enhanced human resources, robust scientific research, and innovative approaches to sustainable forest management.
Recognizing the essential role of human capital in the forestry sector, the new policy underscores the necessity of strengthening the capacity of forestry institutions, including those in the private sector and civil society.
“Low capacity is one of the challenges constraining the mapping and valuation of forest ecosystem services in economic development,” the policy document states, stating the urgent need for continuous capacity building.
The policy sets forth a comprehensive plan to inventory all forest species every five years, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of forest statuses.
This inventory will be coupled with assessments of climate change impacts on the forest sector within a 5-10 year cycle, enabling timely remedial actions.
Additionally, the policy calls for thorough evaluations of land-use systems and related factors contributing to forest degradation, all while keeping a vigilant eye on threats such as wildfires, pests, and invasive species.
In an affirmation to the country’s rich cultural heritage, the policy highlights the importance of indigenous technical knowledge. It advocates for the documentation, dissemination, and utilization of traditional practices in sustainable forest management.
This approach not only preserves invaluable cultural wisdom but also promotes environmentally friendly practices.
Furthermore, the government is championing research into alternative fuel sources to mitigate the nation’s heavy reliance on fuel wood, a significant driver of deforestation and by promoting investment in research and innovation, Government aims to enhance forest productivity and contribute to poverty reduction.
Collaboration stands at the heart of this policy as it encourages joint research efforts among public, private, academic, and research institutions to bolster the forestry sector.
Improved coordination on forest resources data is also a key component, ensuring that information on the state and prospects of forest resources, including emerging issues, is effectively generated and shared with diverse stakeholders.
The policy advocates for an integrated strategy to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the importance of forests and mainstreaming forestry issues across all levels of education curricula, the government aims to foster a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens equipped with the knowledge to sustain the country’s forests.
