DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY DRAFT REVISED NATIONAL FOREST POLICY OF MALAWI July, 2013
1. Foreword 2. Preface 3. Introduction 4. Policy linkages 5. Broad Policy Direction 6. Policy Priority Areas
Provides the Policy goal: To contribute to sustainable development of Malawi through protection and conservation of forest resources. Policy is aligned to: The Constitution of Malawi; Vision 2020, and The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II. Emphasis on environmental, economic and social dimensions of forestry and allied sectors. It addresses issues of forests and water; climate change; food security; HIV and AIDS; gender and equity; wealth creation; biodiversity; Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES); Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+); and Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM). It relates to bilateral and international agreements, protocols and conventions It reiterates government commitment to address issues of deforestation and land degradation Signed by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Management
Current Forest Policy adopted in 1996 17 years ago New environmental and natural resources management policies developed or reviewed Existence of policy gaps, conflicts and duplication of efforts Emphasizes on the contribution of forests to the socio-economic development of the country. Addresses Government concerns on increased deforestation and forest degradation. Recognizes the wide consultative process undertaken (traditional leaders, district councils, civil society, NGOs, private sector, statutory bodies, government departments, academia and the general public). Introduced new sections on: Guiding Principles Policy statements and Strategies Recognizes financial support from government and development partners - UNDP, UNEP and the EU. Signed: Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Management
Opportunities Socio-economic and environmental benefits: shelter, food, fodder, fibre, energy and pharmaceuticals. Forests contribute to the national economy by supporting agriculture which is the mainstay of the national economy by controlling soil erosion, improving soil fertility and regulating water flow. Forests contribute 6.1% to the GDP. Forests and trees mitigate climate change, regulate water in catchment areas, control soil erosion and provide habitat for biodiversity. Challenges Deforestation rate estimated at 1 to 2.8% (average annual loss of 164,500ha to 460,600ha). Direct causes include agricultural expansion; human settlement; uncontrolled fires; unsustainable harvesting for energy (charcoal and firewood) and timber requirements. Underlying causes include poverty, population growth, climate change, conflicting policies and HIV/AIDS. Way forward Provides an enabling environment for participation of all stakeholders including the general public, private sector, Civil Society, Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO), communities, Academia in collaboration with the international community in the management of forest resources
National Forest Policy developed in February, 1996, 17 years in existence. Current and emerging challenges: Climate Change, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM), HIV and AIDS are NOT reflected in the Forest Policy 1996. Allied policies that impact on the forestry sector have been revised, hence the need for harmonization for efficient implementation.
The purpose of the policy is to control deforestation, degradation and promote sustainable management of all types of forests in the country to enhance the social economic and environmental benefits to the nation.
The forestry policy interventions have strong linkages with other international, regional and national environment, economic and social policies. Regional and International conventions and protocals National policies Malawi Constitution (1995) Vision 2020 (1994) MDGS II (2011 2016) National Environmental Policy, 2004 National Land Policy (NLP), 2002 National Decentralisation Policy, 1998 The Water Policy, 2005 National Parks and Wildlife Policy, 2000 Mines and Minerals Policy, 2013 Land Resources Management Policy, 2000 Energy Policy, 2003 Agriculture and Food Security Policy, 2006 National HIV and AIDS Policy, 2008 Climate Change Policy, (Under preparation) The National Population Policy, 2013 The National Disaster Policy
Overall policy goal: The overall policy goal is to contribute to sustainable development of Malawi through improved forest resources management.
Overall Policy Outcomes The main policy outcomes are: 1. Sustained management and utilization of forest resources based on research findings and recommendations; increased awareness and collaboration among stakeholders; transformation of society/forest users; and, improved resources (financial or otherwise). 2. Improved and sustained financial benefits and other livelihoods outcomes (including food, biomass, shelter, health) from forests. 3. Sustained conservation and enhancement of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. 4. Increased opportunities for eco-tourism and recreation. 5. Improved and sustained financing to the forestry sector. 6. Improved knowledge base and its application in forestry. 7. Increased participation of all stakeholders in forest conservation and management. 8. Improved, well regulated and monitored forestry sector. 9. Enhanced cooperation and collaboration on forestry related issues at regional and international levels.
1. Provide an enabling framework for promoting the participation of local communities, the civil society and the private sector in forest conservation and management. 2. Promote the establishment of forest based small and medium scale industries. 3. Promote the growing of trees by all sections of the communities in order to achieve sustainable self-sufficiency of wood and forest derived products and services. 4. Promote sustainable management of forests for the protection of the environment, conservation of biodiversity and climate change management. 5. Promote the development of initiatives for adequate and sustainable short, medium and long term financing mechanisms for the forestry sector and its contribution to GDP. 6. Enhance the development of requisite human resource commensurate with the implementation of the policy 7. Promote the sustained management and utilization of forest resources based on research findings and recommendations 8. Promote investment in eco-tourism in forest reserves, local community forests and plantations 9. Promote a well regulated, compliant and monitored forestry sector with clearly defined forest standards and guidelines 10. Enhance cooperation on forestry related issues at national, regional and international levels to maximize resources and information flows into the forestry sector
Policy Priority Area 1: Forestry Extension and Advisory Services Aims to provide appropriate extension and advisory services to tree growers, small estates and stakeholders based on sound technical packages, including agroforestry, woodlots and natural woodlands management, capable of adaptation to meet client needs. Problems/Issues Implementation challenges include shortage of frontline staff, inadequate operational resources, issues of land tenure and ownership of trees and forests. This is aggravated by inadequate community awareness on emerging issues such as invasive species, climate change, ecosystem services, and low participation of communities in forestry activities, poor forest resource management, and poor governance at local level impact on community forestry development. Conflicting messages from different extension service providers. Policy Statement: I. ensure the development of a full and comprehensive forestry extension and advisory services to empower individuals and groups at community level to manage forest resources on clear mechanisms of ownership and control such as co-management and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs); II. III. provide support and encourage the active participation in all the activities designed to promote afforestation and conservation of forests; and ensure that efforts to address the many interrelated, causative factors involved in the management of forest resources are not fragmented, overlapping and ineffective.
Policy Priority Area 2: Forest reserves, plantations and ecosystem management Aims to develop and sustainably manage forest reserves, plantations, and urban forests that are economically, socially and environmentally viable. It also develops eco-tourism, conserve biological diversity ecosystems, genetic resources, and special sites for preservation as national plant and animal heritage to meet the needs and aspirations of both present and future generations Problems/Issues Forest reserves and plantations are constantly encroached for farming, charcoal production and settlement. Uncontrolled fires, poor communication systems and wood energy demands are all affecting the natural forests and plantation. Illegal harvesting and trafficking of wood and wood products have led to illicit of felling of trees. Poor infrastructure and inadequate recreational facilities are some of the obstacles in the development of ecotourism. Introduction of invasive plants and unsustainable utilization of forest products are reducing forest biodiversity. Poor management of vulnerable ecosystems has further contributed to the loss of biodiversity. Non adherence to 10% land covenant by estate owners has also contributed to the loss of forest cover. Policy Statement: I. Ensure sustainable management of forest reserves, plantations, protected hill slopes and urban forests for long-term conservation of forest biodiversity, water catchments, control of soil erosion, forest produce supply, eco-tourism development and aesthetic values; and II. Provide the appropriate incentives for co-management, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the development of primary and secondary forest industries with a view to achieving self-sufficiency and generate exports.
Policy Priority Area 3: Forestry Regulation and Quality Control Forestry Regulation and Quality Control aims at achieving a well regulated forestry sector with clearly defined forest standards and guidelines in sustainable forest management. Problems/Issues There is inadequate forest law enforcement, inadequate knowledge and understanding of good forest practice. In addition, policy conflicts in the natural resources management sector, corruption and weak regulatory framework, including unrealistic penalties and fines, forest offences and are part of the challenges in achieving a well regulated sector. Policy statement I. forestry laws and regulations are reviewed and amended; and II. Standards and quality controls are adhered to in the implementation of forestry programmes.
Challenges under Forest Regulation and Quality Control Forest fires seen in Malosa Forest Reserve in Zomba. Illegal charcoal production in Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. Officials disturb charcoal vendors building an illegal kiln.
Policy Priority Area 4: Forestry Research and Training This priority area aims at developing requisite high quality human resources that generates and disseminates appropriate technologies and information to address diverse challenges in sustainable forest management. Problems/issues The challenges in this priority area include research not being demand driven, inadequate researchers and trainers due to limited financial and material resources. In addition there are poor linkages between researchers and users of the research, poor linkages within forestry training institutions and gender imbalance in training recruitment and development Policy Statement: This policy priority area will: I. ensure the development of human resources required for the implementation of the policy and the creation of conditions for the retention and optimum utilization of managerial, technical and scientific skills that is required to foster the sustainable utilization and improved productivity of Malawi s forests; and II. Promote endogenously well designed and relevant research programmes, to generate usable technologies, or adapt to local conditions exogenous technologies.
Policy Priority Area 5: Biomass energy and Forest Based Industries This priority area aims at promoting sustainable production and utilization of fuelwood in the wake of increased demand of biomass as a source of energy for both rural and urban sectors in Malawi. Furthermore, it enhances the establishment of forest-based small and medium scale industries for improvement of livelihoods at household level and economic development of the country at the national level through provision of raw materials for industries and provision of jobs in the industries. Problems/Issues Demand for wood and opportunities for Forest Based Enterprises (FBEs) have been affected by high deforestation rate as a result of over dependence on wood energy, lack of alternative sources of energy, inadequate equipment for promoting Forest Based Enterprises (FBEs), non availability of appropriate technology, and lack of knowledge on development of Enterprise Development Plans (EDPs). Policy Statement I. promote efficient and effective methods and techniques for the utilization of alternative sources of energy to reduce consumption of fuelwood ; II. Provide an enabling environment for access to all government controlled forest reserves by small-scale enterprises and processors using forest products for wealth creation.
Policy Priority Area 6: Regional and International Cooperation (RICO) This priority are aims at enhancing cooperation in forestry related issues at regional and international levels to maximize resources, technology transfer and information flows into the forestry sector. Problems/Issues Inadequate knowledge, understanding, and capacity to implement protocols are the problems that affect Regional and International Cooperation Policy Statement Promote the domestication of bilateral, regional and international forestry and other related conventions to which Malawi is a Party.
Policy Priority Area 7: Financing Mechanisms This policy priority area aims at enhancing innovative approaches for generating funding for forestry programmes. Problems/Issues There is inadequate investment in forestry programmes, poor revenue collection and leakage. Policy Statement: I. Ensure the generation of funds for implementation of all forestry projects and programmes; and II. Strengthen collaboration between Government and private sector organizations on industrial forestry activities.