Several of the 13 specific policy objectives are directly relevant to a National Policy
on Environment, namely:
- to ensure the integrity, productivity and development potential of the forest reserves (especially through the involvement of stakeholders);
- to ensure adequate protection of forests, by empowering local communities and promoting the development and use of forest and non-wood forest products;
- to ensure sustainable management of forest ecosystems and biodiversity application through scientific and indigenous technical knowledge (through, inter alia, promoting the value of forests for catchment protection, biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services);
- to ensure sustainable management of forest resources for wood fuel production;
- to recognise and support the development of non-wood forest products;
- to regulate exploitation and ensure efficient use of forest resources and products, and
- to ensure gender equity in all aspects of forestry management, production and utilisation of forest products, extension training and education.