The Policy and Strategy for Forestry and Watershed Subsector is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The overall purpose of this policy is to ensure sustainable management of forestry and watershed resources in order to contribute to a competitive agriculture-forestry-fisheries sector and support improved living standards for people. To this end, this policy sets forth strategies to enhance protection and conservation of the environment, biodiversity and productivity in the uplands through alternative farming systems and agroforestry; enhanced production in the lowlands through sustainable irrigation systems; and protection of coral reefs and other marine resources against possible destruction in the marine areas.
Measures will be taken to reduce forest degradation and deforestation to improve forest condition in order to meet community requirements for forest products and services. Studies will be conducted including all watershed areas to collect physical, socio-economic and cultural information for the development of an integrated and participatory forest-watershed master plan. Community-based reforestation and agroforestry approaches will be introduced using local tree species with high capacity to regulate surface run-off, improve the quantity and quality of water for irrigation and domestic use. Moreover, regional nurseries will be established with the capacity of producing seedlings for direct planting in identified reforestation sites for distributions to interested groups and individual community members. The inventory of potential upland farming practices will be conducted and the demonstration sites of alternative agroforestry technologies will be developed in strategic areas. Furthermore, a community-based Protected Area Network will be established in collaboration with the Community-Based Natural Resource Management initiatives and wider environmental programs. The policy and legislative framework will be strengthened for trade and resource management. Information systems will be developed for improved forest management and planning. The capacities of local and rural communities will be improved and cooperation with them will be strengthened for effective implementation of forestry policy. Community groups will be encouraged to participate in reforestation and rehabilitation activities through the resolution of their land tenure issues. Forest rehabilitation and conservation and environmental preservation will be integrated to the school curriculum. A resource management and marketing system will be developed for sandalwood that optimizes long term benefits to the nation including community reforestation. Watershed pilot areas will be expanded for environmental conservation and protection activities through community-based reforestation, conservation and utilization of viable forest timber products and non-forest timber products.