4. Proposed Improvements for National Forestry Statistics

The existing methods of data collection, processing and dissemination can be improved by instituting the following measures:

Licensing of sawmills and chainsaws

Keeping of records by sawmillers and licensees

Mandatory cut and removal permits for trees

Establishment of check points

Authority of forest officer to request information from sawmillers and licensees

Permit to transport chainsaws on forest reserves

Establishment of forest research trials

Upgrade of staff and equipment at the Forestry Department with increased budget

Have forestry related information readily available and/or published

Some of these measures will be implemented as part of the Government's new Forest Regulations. The Regulations will be enforced in the year 2001.

With a co-ordinated effort from foresters and forest wardens, environmental wardens from the NRCA, the police, environmental NGO’s, communities' local forestry management groups, and others related agencies, implementation of these measures can be achieved.