Bhutan Forest Policy

Bhutan’s 2009 National Forest Policy consists of the underlying principles on which the policy is based, a long-term goal and major policy objectives, and specific statements to enable various aspects of forest production, use, and management.

The main features of the Policy include: Integrated landscape-level approach to sustainable forest management; All Government Reserved Forest land must be brought under management schemes focused on the sustainable supply of forest products or ecosystem services; and Emphasis on poverty reduction.

It also includes: Promotion of forest-based industries through sound resource assessment; Balanced sustainable use and conservation of forest and natural resources with emphasis on efficient and environment-friendly technology for value addition and waste minimization; Enabling conservation of a significant representation of the country’s biodiversity; Science-based and participatory approach to forest governance and management that respects the cultural values of the forests; Integration of climate change, disaster management and new challenges and opportunities in forest governance and management; and Enabling payment of environmental services.