To maintain and safeguard enough forest land so as to ensure that:
sufficient supplies of timber, fuel, pulp, paper and poles and other forest products are available in the long-term for the needs of the country and, where feasible, for export; and
water supplies and soils are protected, plants and animals (including endangered ones) are conserved in natural ecosystems and forests are also available for amenity and recreation.
To manage the forest estate so as to optimise economic and environmental benefits to the country by ensuring that:
the conversion of the forest produce into timber, charcoal, fuelwood, poles, pulp and paper and other products is carried out efficiently;
the forest estate is protected against encroachment, illegal tree cutting, pests, diseases and fires;
the harvesting of timber, charcoal, fuelwood, poles and other products applies appropriate silvicultural methods, which ensures sustainable yields and preserves environmental services and biotic diversity; and
research is undertaken to improve seed sources for planting stock and the silvicultural and protection methods needed to regenerate the forest and increase its growth and yield. Research is also carried out into new and existing forest products including tourism and education with the object of maximising their utilisation potential. Research is undertaken to monitor and promote the preservation of environmental services and conservation of biotic diversity.
To promote an understanding of forests and trees by:
establishing extension and research services aimed at helping farmers, organisations and individuals to grow and protect their own trees for timber, fuel and poles and to encourage agro-forestry practices;
publicising the availability and suitability of various types of timber and wood products for domestic and industrial use and publicising the importance of environmental services provided by forests;
holding open days at regular intervals in all districts to demonstrate working techniques and raise attention to the positive benefits of forestry; and
promoting scientific research, environmental tourism, education and related activities inside the forest.
