COUNTRY BACKGROUND - Gross National Happiness Commission

distribution under the Social Forestry Programme of the Forestry Department.
Research and DevelopmentResearch and Development
Renewable Natural Resources
17.76 The present research activities will be continued and strengthened following the Review of the RNR
Research programme.
ExtensionExtension
17.77 Through the Extension Sub Division, the DAH will continue to provide technical support to the Dzongkhag
extension and farmer training programme.
Forestry Sector Development ProgrammesForestry Sector Development Programmes
17.78 During the 6FYP, the DoF implemented a conservation oriented programme, with emphasis on collection of
data, development of management plans and reafforestation of degraded areas. Efforts were made to involve
communities in forestry projects and activities, however there has been insufficient understanding of farmer's needs
and local forest uses and social organisations. The DoF recognises the importance of involving communities in
forestry activities and this will be the major strategy for the 7FYP.
17.79 The collection and analysis of data will continue and will be integrated into a Geographical Information
System to provide the basis for management plans and land use planning in general. The Master Plan for Forestry
Development will be finalised during the 7FYP to provide guidelines for future developments in the forestry
subsector.
AfforestationAfforestation
17.80 The afforestation programme will continue to be implemented with a target of 2,500 ha per annum. The
programme has two aims: to improve soil and water conservation and to meet the forest product requirements of
the population. The Department will endeavour to increase community participation in the programme through the
Social Forestry programme. The Afforestation Division will assume responsibility for the Seed Storage Centre from
the Research Division to improve the collection and storage of seeds for distribution under the afforestation
programme.
17.81 The MPFD has analyzed the areas of degraded land that require rehabilitation measures and have found that
in some areas soil and water conservation improvements can only achieved through reintroducing forest cover.
However of the 230,000 ha identified as degraded, only 32% require afforestation, while the remaining 68% of
degraded land can be converted to agricultural land, 5-7% for agroforestry, 12-15% for wood production by
communities and private farmers, 1-2% to other activities such as mining, industry residential areas and the
remaining area could be incorporated in management units of protected areas.
Forest ProtectionForest Protection
17.82 The Forest Protection Programme will have 2 components: fire prevention, and insect and disease control:
(i) Fire Prevention activities during the 6FYP were able to reduce the incidence of forest fires,
through extension and publicity. These activities will be continued and expanded during the
7FYP.
(ii) Insect and Disease Control The Department successfully controlled a bark beetle epidemic in
Western Bhutan during the 6FYP and has been able to develop its skills in this area. A
Protection Cell has been created in the Research Division and will continue to provide support
for disease control activities.
Forest ManagementForest Management
17.83 During the 7FYP, efforts will be made to develop management plans for as many areas as possible. These
management plans will allow the sustainable utilisation of forests by communities and commercial enterprises
where appropriate. The Forest Resource Management Division will be strengthened through additional staff, staff
training, computerisation of data processing and further improvements in the Photointerpretation Cell.
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