They Are Vital for Environmental Conservation

PERMANENT forest reserves are gazetted mainly for sustainable timber production and other forest produce, as well as for water and environmental conservation. This is in accordance with the concept of rational land use.

One of the objectives of the National Forestry Policy 1978 (amended 1992) is to dedicate adequate reserves strategically located in the country.

Although they are mainly for timber production, reserves are also important for wildlife conservation, studies show.

Under the purview of the National Forestry Act 1984, the state authority can:

* Excise a reserve or any part of a reserve “under very special circumstances”. This is when the reason for its reservation no longer applies, or it is required for economic use higher than the present forest value; and,

* Replace all areas of permanent forest estate that are cut down, provided there is a need for soil and water conservation, biodiversity and other environmental consideration; a need to sustain timber production; an economic interest for the state; and there is suitable land available. This responsibility lies with the state forestry departments with the help of land and mineral offices or district offices which have administrative authority over state forests.

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