Principles of sustainable forest management

The concept of SFM is introduced as a broad conceptual instrument to assess solutions to forest loss and degradation.

Sustainable development concept was first Elaborated by – World Commission on Environment and Development – 1987) and Endorsed by – United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) – June 1992. SFM is nothing but forestry’s contribution to sustainable  development.

Forest serves human not only as a living component but also in livelihood enhancement. Forests and their sustainable management can contribute to the achieving the several goals of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by Head of State and Government of United Nations in September 2015.

Managing Forest only, can contribute to achieve most of the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs).

THE 17 GOALS

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Sanitation
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable clean Energy
8. Decent work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice and strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals

Thus, Managing forest sustainably is very crucial for the ecological, social, economical enhancement. SFM is nothing but the process of forest management based on current scientific & traditional knowledge, which allows multiple objectives & needs to be met of present, without degrading the forest for similar functions in future. In other word SFM is forest management process within the Sustainable Forest Management principles.

Principle of SFM is the law or standard forwarded by UNCED, 1992- Toward the vision of sustainable use of natural resources for the needs of present and future generations.

Principles of Sustainable Forest Management

•Conserve biodiversity
•Prevent forest conversion & protection of high conservation value forests
•Have a management plan & harvest accordingly
•Reforest/afforest
•Use less damaging logging techniques (such as reduced impact logging)
•Respect Indigenous people and local communities (IPLCs) knowledge and needs
•Boost income and profitability

However, several recent international meetings have suggested that the following seven thematic elements are key components of SFM.

Key elements of SFM

(1) Extent of forest resources
(2) Biological diversity
(3) Forest health and vitality (Power of continued existence)
(4) Productive functions of forest resources
(5) Protective functions of forest resources
(6) Socio-economic functions
(7) Legal, policy, and institutional framework

Thus SFM should to carried out ensuring these principles incorporating key components of SFM.