Chhattisgarh Forest Department

NWFP Certification

Group – III

Topic   – Forest Management Issues pertaining to Certification.

Forest Management Issues pertaining to certification

The group considered prioritizing the potential species according to the three agro-climatic zones of the Chhattisgarh state such as safed musli (Chlorophytum aurindinacium), kalmegh, satawar (Asparagus racemosus), aonla (Emblica officinalis), Anant mool, maror phalli etc. 

The group deliberated upon the need for managing the forests on a sustainable basis through operationalizing broad strategic planning through intensive macro as well as micro level planning. Detailed micro plans involving Forest Protection Committees or Village Forest Committees were stressed to be developed.    

The group also discussed regarding making use of existing working plans that will have to be supplemented with inventory. The group also expressed the need for strengthening the working plans. At present our forests are being managed according to the working plans. However, there is a need to shift focus on the management of non-wood forest produce from the traditional timber based forest management.

The group mentioned about involving and ensuring community participation in the management of NWFP resources involving indigenous traditional heelers and medicinal practitioners that will address the socio-cultural framework. The group emphasized on the need for enhanced role and involvement of the local communities in planning, management and monitoring. This would also result in empowering community for benefit sharing subsequently resulting into capacity building for stakeholders such as the staff and the indigenous community.