National Forest Policy.

The National Forest Policy of Bangladesh is a sectoral policy with the following objectives: meet the basic needs of the present and future generations and also to ensure greater contribution of the forestry sector in the economic development, about 20% of the total area of the country will be afforested by taking up various afforestation programs; Side by side fallow lands not useful for the purposes of the agriculture, hinter lands and in other possible areas; Government sponsored afforestation programs will be implemented. Moreover, appropriate measures will be taken to encourage afforestation on private land and technical support and services regarding the production of forest crops has to be ensured; By creating employment opportunities, strengthening the rural and national economy, the scope of poverty alleviation and trees and forest based rural development sectors will be extended and consolidated; Bio-diversity of the existing degraded forests will be enriched by the conserving of remaining natural habitat of the birds and animals; Agricultural sector will be strengthened by expanding assistance to the sectors related with forest development, especially by conserving the land and water resources; National responsibilities and commitments will be fulfilled by implementing by various international efforts and government ratified agreements relating to global warming, desertification and control of trade and commerce of wild birds and animals; Though the participation of the local people, illegal occupation of the forest lands, illegal tree felling and hunting of the wild animals will be prevented; Effective use and utilization of the forest goods at various stages of processing will encouraged, and; Implementation of the forestation programs -on both public and private lands will be provided with encouragement and assistance. In the formulation of the Forestry Policy, 1994 the following issue have been brought into special consideration: Peoples welfare principles inscribed in the constitution of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh; Long term and specific roles of the forest sector in the overall socio-economic development of the country including the environment; National Policies for the development of agriculture, cottage industries and of the sectors; Decisions and recommendations taken in different international conferences and conventions particularly the envisaged programs on afforestation cited in the Agenda 21 of the Earth Summit in Brazil in 1992. For the preservation of climate and natural condition of the country and recognition of the long-term and very important role of forest sector to ensure balanced economic development; Realizing the need of massive and planned tree plantation, maintenance and preservation in the coastal areas including the embankments on rivers and canals to protect forests, soil and related natural resources, to reduce the velocity and intensity of cyclone, tornado and tidal bore so that air, water and others get less polluted and ecological balance remain undisturbed; Apart from the production of forest, wood and fuel materials, oil seeds, spices, fiber,rubber, medicine ingredients, and other goods for the economic development of the country.