Description

A basic forest protection or forest management law and associated regulations oblige all citizens of a country to comply with comprehensive requirements to protect forests. The law regulates access to firewood, secures forest reserves and promotes the economical use of wood. The forest protection or/ and management law must form an integral part of all of a country’s key environmental legislation.

Requirements

• A properly functioning country-wide administration and monitoring system with access to the relevant information and sufficient technical and human capacities for its design, implementation and monitoring
• Clear and coherent political strategy and targets for policy-makers and public authorities
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with local advisory services
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with research institutions
• Clear responsibilities in public authorities
• Country-wide monitoring of natural resources and their quality (e. g. water, soil, forests, air, grassland)
• Good knowledge of good agricultural practices
• Participation of all stakeholders involved, e. g. science / research, agricultural advisory services, civil society, public and private sector (incl. farmers and their interest groups)
• Sanction mechanisms
• Monitoring and control system for the agricultural production processes supported
• Regular neutral inspections on farms and in agri-food enterprises

Possible Negative Effects

• Poor people might be prevented from collecting firewood as their energy supply