National Forest Policy 2016

MALAWI GOVERNMENT National Forest Policy June 2016 FOREWORD The goal of the National Forest Policy, 2016, is for the conservation, establishment, protection and management of trees and forests for the sustainable development of Malawi. The Government of Malawi adopted a second and comprehensive National Forest Policy in 1996. Later in 2000, a National Forest Programme was formulated as a mechanism to guide the implementation of the policy, “to translate good intentions into real results.” Broadly the National Forest Policy, 2016, is to provide guidance to the management of forests, offer an enabling framework for all stakeholders to participate in the management of forests, and sustain the contribution of the national forest resources for the upliftment of the quality of life. It is now nineteen years (19) since the comprehensive National Forest Policy, 1996, was approved by Cabinet. Although government has taken significant steps in the implementation of the provisions of the policy, there have been some emerging issues globally, regionally and nationally that impact on the management of forests, which were not envisaged in the policy of 1996. New policies in the area of environment and natural resources management have been developed and most of the already existing policies have been reviewed. In addition, new economic instruments and strategies have been developed and implemented with significant impacts on the management of forests. These developments have created policy gaps, conflicts and duplications. As such, Government has found it necessary to revise the second comprehensive National Forest Policy, 1996, to ensure that it remains current, responds to new challenges and incorporates lessons learned. The Government of Malawi, therefore, commits itself to fully address issues of deforestation and land degradation through the implementation of this revised policy. Bright Msaka SC Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining PREFACE The Government of the Republic of Malawi recognizes the contribution of forest resources to the infrastructural and socio economic development of the country. It also realizes that the protection, conservation and management of forest resources are paramount in the enhancement of wealth creation. However, the government is increasingly concerned with the continued deforestation and forest degradation occurring in the country. Deforestation and forest degradation has increased the gap between supply and demand of forest resources. Currently, demand for forest resources is higher than supply. The National Forest Policy is therefore a key instrument that lays down guiding principles, policy statements and strategies on the management of forests in the country and should act as a guide for all forestry activities in the country. The Policy is aligned to bilateral and international agreements and conventions such as the Rio Declaration, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Montreal Protocol, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES). The 1996 National Forest Policy has been reviewed after a wide consultative process with a wide range of stakeholders to solicit their views on the implementation gaps. Some of the stakeholders consulted include the following: traditional authorities, district councils, the civil society, the private sector, statutory bodies, government departments, the academia and the general public. The policy has been developed with financial support from government and development partners such as UNDP, UNEP and the EU. We are grateful for their assistance. It is therefore my sincere hope that the National Forest Policy is a useful instrument to all stakeholders in the country for integration of sustainable forest management considerations in the country’s social and economic development programmes thereby contributing to sustainable development. Patrick C. Matanda Secretary for Natural Resources, Energy and Mining TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 8 1.1 Linkages with Other Relevant Policies 9 1.2 Problem Definition 12 2.0 BROAD POLICY DIRECTION 13 2.1 Overall policy goal 13 2.2 Overall Policy Outcomes 13 2.3 Overall policy objectives 14 3.0 POLICY PRIORITY AREAS 15 3.1 Area 1: Community Based Forest Management 15 3.2 Area 2: Indigenous Forests, Forest reserves and ecosystem management 16 3.3 Area 3: Industrial Forest Plantations and Estates Management 19 3.4 Area 4: Forest Regulation and Quality Control 20 3.5 Area 5: Forestry Knowledge Acquisition and Management 21 3.6 Area 6: Capacity Development for the forest sector 22 3.7 Area 7: Biomass Energy Development 23 3.8 Area 8: Development of Forest Based Industries 24 3.9 Area 9: Regional and International Cooperation 25 3.10 Area 10: Financing Mechanisms 26 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS 28 5.0 POLICY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 31 6.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN 31 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION STRATEGY 32 7.1 Introduction 32 7.2 Strategies for Policy Implementation 32 7.2.1 Area 1: Community Based Forest Management 32 7.2.2 Area 2: Indigenous Forests, Forest Reserves and Ecosystem Management 33 7.2.3 Area 3: Industrial Plantations and Estates Management 34 7.2.4 Area 4: Forestry Regulation and Quality Control 34 7.2.5 Area 5: Forestry Knowledge Acquisition and Management 36 7.2.6 Area 6: Capacity Development for the Forestry Sector 36 7.2.7.Area 7: Biomass Energy Development 37 7.2.8 Area 8: Development of Forest Based Industries 37 7.2.9 Area 9: Regional and International Cooperation 38 7.2.10 Area 10: Financing Mechanisms 38 7.3 Implementation Plan 39 7.4 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 49 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ANRMC Area Natural Resources Management Committee CBD Convention on Biodiversity CBO Community Based Organizations UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Deforestation CDM Clean Development Mechanisms CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CBFM Community Based Forestry Management EDP Enterprise Development Plan EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMA Environmental Management Act ESCOM Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi FBE Forest Based Enterprise FDMF Forestry Development and Management Fund GDP Gross Domestic Product Ha Hectare HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gases MCFW Malawi College of Forestry and Wildlife MDG Millennium Development Goals MEAS Multilateral Environmental Agreements MGDS II Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II MNLP Malawi National Land Policy MSME Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises NDP National Decentralization Policy NEP National Environmental Policy NGO Non Governmental Organization PES Payment for Ecosystem Services PFMP Participatory Forest Management Plans PLHWA People Living With HIV and AIDS REDD+ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation RICO Regional and International Cooperation SADC Southern African Development Community UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change US$ United States Dollar VDC Village Development Committee VFA Village Forest Area VNRMC Village Natural Resources Management Committee 8 National Forest Policy 2016 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Government of Malawi recognizes the invaluable contribution of forests and trees in improving socio-economic and environmental benefits. In Malawi, both natural and man-made forests play an important role in providing basic human needs such as shelter, food, fodder, fibre, energy and pharmaceuticals. Forests also contribute to the national economy by supporting agriculture which is the mainstay of the national economy through controlling soil erosion, improving soil fertility and regulating water flow. The Government of Malawi approved a National Forest Policy in February, 1996, in response to the democratization and environmental conditions in the country. Emerging issues and lessons learnt in the implementation of the 1996 policy have necessitated revision to meet the current challenges and address emerging climate change issues such as Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM), HIV and AIDS. The Government of Malawi further noted that over the years most policies that impact on the forestry sector had been revised, consequently, there is need to harmonize the policies for efficient implementation. The goal of the National Forest Policy is to improve provision of forest goods and services to contribute towards sustainable development of Malawi through protection and conservation of forest resources. The policy aspires to control deforestation and forest degradation. . The policy promotes strategies that will contribute to increased forest cover by 2% from the current 28% to 30% by 2021, and sustainable management of existing forest resources. The National Forest Policy takes a holistic approach to sustainable forest management. It adequately addresses issues of forests and water; climate change; food security; HIV and AIDS; gender and equity; wealth creation; biodiversity and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES); Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) and Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM). The National Forest Policy recognizes among others the importance of creating an enabling environment for participation of all stakeholders including Public, Private, Civil Society, Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO), Communities, and Academia in collaboration with international community in the management of forest resources. 8 National Forest Policy 2016 9 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 1.1 Linkages with Other Relevant Policies The National Forest Policy is in line with the country’s medium term development strategy, currently the MGDS II, and has strong linkages with other sectoral policies as follows: Medium Term Development Strategy Sub theme 2 of MGDS II, Natural Resources and Environmental Management, calls for enhanced sustainable management of forest resources and their contribution to national economy. National Environmental Policy, 2004 The National Environmental Policy (NEP) coordinates all natural resource management including forest resources and environmental policy instruments in Malawi. National Land Policy (NLP), 2002 The NLP promotes equitable access and tenure security to land and facilitates the attainment of social harmony and broad based social and economic development through tenure reforms. It promotes community participation and public awareness at all levels to ensure environmentally sustainable land use practices and good land stewardship. National Decentralisation Policy, 1998 The National Decentralization Policy (NDP) promotes popular participation in governance through local governments. The policy devolves forestry management on customary land to the local level. The Water Policy, 2005 The policy promotes effective participation of the forestry sector in water resources, catchment protection, conservation and management. National Parks and Wildlife Policy, 2000 The Policy promotes conservation of Wildlife including forests and biodiversity in protected areas and communal areas. 10 National Forest Policy 2016 Land Resources Management Policy, 2000 The policy promotes tree planting, natural regeneration and conservation of forests as a way of achieving sustainable land utilisation and management. Energy Policy, 2003 The policy notes the severe effects of nature on lake levels and the flow of the Shire River, upon which the country almost wholly depends for power generation, and man-made effects such as deforestation resulting from agricultural clearing, urbanization and dependence on biomass energy. The policy acknowledges the need for a holistic approach to address the problem by ensuring that people and industries depend less and less on biomass energy and increase dependency on electricity and other renewable sources of energy that are environmentally friendly. The policy promotes use of alternative sources of energy to reduce pressure on wood biomass. The National Population Policy, 2013 The policy recognizes that high population growth is one of the underlying causes of deforestation and forest degradation and advocates for reduced fertility levels. National Forest Policy 2016 10 11 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 11 National Forest Policy 2016 12 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 1.2 Problem Definition Forests have experienced high deforestation rate estimated at 2.8% representing an annual average loss of 250,000ha of forest cover. The direct causes of deforestation include agricultural expansion; human settlement; uncontrolled fires; unsustainable harvesting for energy (charcoal and firewood) and timber requirements. According to the Economic Valuation of Sustainable Natural Resources Use in Malawi, 2011, forests contribute 6.2% to the GDP. Forests and trees are important in environmental protection and provision of environmental goods and services. The contribution of forestry to GDP are subsumed under agriculture and do not take into account the value of non-wood forest products, processed timber or the informal trade in fuel wood and charcoal. As a result, the potential of the forestry sector to contribute to poverty reduction is significantly underestimated. 12 13 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 2.0 BROAD POLICY DIRECTION 2.1 Overall Policy Goal The goal of the National Forest Policy, 2016, is for the conservation, establishment, protection and management of trees and forests for the sustainable development of Malawi. 2.2 Overall Policy Outcomes The main policy outcomes are: 1. Sustained management and utilization of forest resources; 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; and 9. Enhanced cooperation and collaboration in forestry related issues at regional and international levels. 14 National Forest Policy 2016 2.3 Overall Policy Objectives The overall objectives of the National Forest Policy are to: 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 a well regulated, compliant and monitored forestry sector with clearly defined forest standards and guidelines; and 9. Enhance cooperation in forestry related issues at national, regional and international levels to maximize resources and information flows into the forestry sector. 15 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 3.0 POLICY PRIORITY AREAS While numerous issues could be considered to address sustainable forest management, implementation of this policy by the government and its partners will focus on ten priority areas namely:- Community Based Forest Management; Indigenous Forests, Forest Reserves, and Ecosystem Management; Forest Plantations and Estates Management; Forestry Regulation and Quality Control; Forestry Knowledge Acquisition and Management; Capacity Development for Forestry Sector; Biomass Energy Development; Development of Forest Based Industries; Regional and International Cooperation; and Financing Mechanisms. Sustainable Forest Management will ensure continuous provision of forest goods and services, increased forest cover and climate change management. 3.1 Policy Priority Area 1: Community Based Forest Management This priority area aims at empowering rural communities to conserve and develop Malawi’s forest resources for the economic and environmental benefit of the present and future generations. Problems/Issues The implementation of Community Based Forest Management is facing challenges that need to be addressed. Issues of low participation of communities in forest management, poor governance structures and lack of knowledge on land tenure and tree ownership have led to widespread destruction of forest resources. Policy Statement This policy will ensure: i. local communities are provided with appropriate incentives to manage forest resources based on clear mechanisms of ownership and control; ii. that sound technical advice based on indigenous knowledge and scientific research is provided to all stakeholders using different Information, Education and Communication (IEC) methods; and iii. local communities are empowered to effectively lead and participate in forest conservation and management. 15 16 National Forest Policy 2016 3.2 Policy Priority Area 2: Indigenous Forests, Forest Reserves and Ecosystem Management The priority area aims at providing an enabling environment for the development and sustainable management of indigenous forests, forest reserves, and ecosystems management for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity in partnership with stakeholders. Paramount to this is the conservation of biologically rich ecosystems, protection of genetic resources, management of watersheds, special sites for the preservation of national plant and animal heritage, in order to meet the needs and aspirations of both present and future generations. Problems/Issues Forest reserves and indigenous/ community forests are constantly encroached for farming, charcoal production and settlement. Uncontrolled bushfires, poor utilization systems and wood energy demands are all affecting the natural forests. Illegal harvesting of wood and wood products has led to ecosystem erosion. Introduction of invasive plants and unsustainable utilization of forest products coupled with poor management of vulnerable ecosystems has further contributed to the loss of biodiversity. Policy Statement This policy will ensure: i. sustainable management of forest resources for long-term conservation of forest biodiversity, protection of water catchments, control of soil erosion, provision of forest products, eco-tourism development and aesthetic values; and ii. the appropriate incentives for sustainable forest management. 17 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 17 National Forest Policy 2016 18 National Forest Policy 2016 3.3 Policy Priority Area 3: Industrial Forest Plantations and Estates Management The priority area aims at providing an enabling environment for the development of viable and robust industry from plantations and forest within estates and any planted woodlots and urban forests. Paramount is the proper management and the sustainable utilization of the plantation forests for the benefit of individuals, communities and the nation through the development of forestry industries. This should enhance the management of watersheds which are sources of our river systems. Problems/Issues Forest plantations and estates forests are currently unsustainably harvested and the cleared areas are not replanted within reasonable periods of time exposing the fragile landscapes to erosion. Uncontrolled bushfires, fires by arsonists, poor communication systems, lack of value addition, increased wastage of forest resources and poor plantation protection approaches, are all affecting the plantation and the industry. Non adherence to 10% land covenant by estate owners has also contributed to the loss of forest cover as they continue to harvest trees for their operational requirements. Policy Statement This policy will ensure: i. the development of sustainable primary and secondary forest industries with a view to achieving self-sufficiency and generate exports for the present and future generations. National Forest Policy 2016 18 19 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 19 National Forest Policy 2016 20 National Forest Policy 2016 3.4 Policy Priority Area 4: Forest Regulation and Quality Control This priority area aims at achieving a well regulated forestry sector with clearly defined forest standards and guidelines for sustainable forest management. Problems/Issues There is inadequate forest law enforcement, inadequate knowledge and understanding of good forest practice. In addition, weak regulatory framework, corruption, low penalties and fines, forest offences and policy conflicts in the natural resources management sector are part of the challenges. Policy Statement The policy will ensure: i. forestry policy, laws and regulations are reviewed and amended regularly to facilitate the development of an acceptable innovative forestry sector in the country; and ii. standards and quality control measures are adhered to in the implementation of forestry programmes and projects. 21 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 3.5 Policy Priority Area 5: Forestry Knowledge Acquisition and Management This priority area aims at developing requisite high quality and up to date information in the forest sector and storing and disseminating this information in appropriate and accessible formats and platforms for all stakeholders to access and utilize in order to overcome challenges in sustainable forest management. Problems/Issues The challenges in this priority area include research not being demand driven, inadequate researchers and research equipment, limited financial and other material resources. In addition, there are poor linkages between researchers, the global community and users of the research information, there is also lack of an adequate knowledge network and suitable platform to upload and access information. Policy Statement This policy will ensure: i. the development of human, material and financial resources required for adequate research in forestry sector; ii. the promotion of endogenously well designed, relevant and demand driven research programmes, in collaboration with local populations; and iii. the collaboration with external organizations to adapt exogenous technologies to local conditions. 22 National Forest Policy 2016 3.6 Policy Priority Area 6: Capacity Development for the Forest Sector 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. Furthermore, this priority area will also address issues of office accommodation, networking and equipment. Problems/Issues The challenges in this priority area include the training, recruitment and retention of personnel in the forestry sector that will manage and propel forward the forestry sector in all the relevant divisions like research, extension, plantations and management. Currently there is a poor linkage between the forestry training institutions, field level and the plantations to ensure that the right type of personnel are deployed and secondly there is a gender imbalance in all the sectors of the forestry sector as well as inadequate office accommodation, tools and equipment. Policy Statement This policy will ensure: i. the development of human resources required for the implementation of the policy; ii. the creation of conducive environment 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 iii. the development and adoption of a well balanced curriculum relevant to the requirements of the country for the current and future requirements of the forestry sector in Malawi. 22 National Forest Policy 2016 23 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 3.7 Policy Priority Area 7: Biomass Energy Development The priority area aims at promoting sustainable production and utilization of biomass fuels in the form of firewood and charcoal in the wake of increased demand of biomass as a source of energy especially in urban areas in Malawi with the increased unreliability in the supply of electrical energy. It also aims at improving the production and efficient use of charcoal and firewood. Problems/Issues The inadequate supply of other sources of energy like electricity, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and/ or biogas has increased demand for firewood and charcoal. This continuously exacerbates the already high deforestation rate, due to tobacco growing and brick burning. Policy Statement This policy will promote: i. sustainable production and utilization of firewood and charcoal; and ii. the use of alternative sources of energy to reduce consumption of fuelwood. 23 National Forest Policy 2016 24 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 3.8 Policy Priority Area 8: Development of Forest Based Industries The priority area aims at promoting establishment of sustainable forest based small and medium scale industries for improved livelihoods at household level and the economic development of the country. Problems/Issues Demand for wood based opportunities in the form of Forest Based Enterprises (FBEs) have been affected by high deforestation rate, lack of access in forest reserves, over dependence on wood energy, tobacco growing, brick burning, inadequate equipment for promoting Forest Based Enterprises (FBEs). Policy Statement This policy will: i. provide an enabling environment for access to all government controlled forest reserves and plantations by small-scale enterprises and processors using forest products for wealth creation; and ii. promote and facilitate the acquisition and use of appropriate equipment, technologies and plans for the proposed small and medium forest based industries. 24 25 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 3.9 Policy Priority Area 9: Regional and International Cooperation The priority area 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. Also, constant failure by Government to pay subscriptions for Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) renders the country ineligible for support Policy Statement This policy will: i. promote the domestication of bilateral, regional and inter-National Forest and other related conventions to which Malawi is a party. 26 National Forest Policy 2016 3.10 Policy Priority Area 10: Financing Mechanisms This priority area aims at enhancing innovative approaches for generating funding for the forestry sector in Malawi. Problems/Issues There is inadequate investment and re-investment in forestry programmes, poor revenue collection as well as mismanagement of revenues collected. Policy Statement This policy will: i. ensure the generation of funds for implementation of all forestry sector projects and programmes; ii. ensure a clearly defined forestry investment and re-investment programme for a sustainable forestry sector. iii. strengthen networking among the public institutions, NGOs and private sector organizations on contributing to a Trust Fund for the forestry sector. 26 27 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 iv. 27 National Forest Policy 2016 28 National Forest Policy 2016 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS Institutional Arrangements Issues of forest management attract the attention of a range of stakeholders that include government ministries, departments and agencies; civil society organizations; private sector organizations; development partners; and traditional leaders. The role of the key stakeholders in the implementation of this forestry policy is therefore as follows: Ministry Responsible for Forestry The Ministry responsible for forestry, through the Forestry Department will guide and oversee the implementation and review of this policy and coordinate issues of forestry management with all the institutions involved in the implementation of this policy. Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs The Ministry responsible for Justice will ensure that forestry legislation and regulations are consistent with national constitution. It will also be responsible for arbitration of disputes; drafting and vetting forestry management agreements. Ministry Responsible for Foreign Affairs The Ministry responsible for Foreign Affairs will ensure that the country accedes to and ratifies relevant regional and international protocols and conventions. Ministry Responsible for Internal Security The Ministry responsible for internal security will facilitate the Administration of laws and their enforcement and prosecution of offenders and assist in the monitoring and establishment of temporary and permanent roadblocks for the control of the illegal trafficking of forest products. Ministry Responsible for Energy The Ministry responsible for energy will ensure that the provision of energy and its technologies and alternatives to biomass energy are consistent with the forestry policy and sustainable development principles. Ministry of Defense The Ministry responsible for Defense will provide support in law enforcement as enshrined in the memorandum of understanding with Department of Forestry. 28 29 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 Ministry Responsible for Agriculture and Food Security The Ministry responsible for agriculture and food security will ensure that their actions are not in contradiction to the forestry policy and its legislations as well as provide technical expertise in agro-forestry through provision of inputs Ministry Responsible Economic Planning and Development The Ministry responsible for economic planning and development will ensure that issues related to forestry are incorporated in national development planning. Ministry Responsible for Finance The Ministry responsible for finance will ensure that the Forestry Sector receives adequate funding for implementation of its activities. Department of National Parks and Wildlife The Department will ensure conservation and management of forests within national parks and game reserves and provision of training and support in law enforcement. Ministry Responsible for Local Government and Rural Development The Ministry responsible for Local Government will ensure the decentralization of issues related to forestry including governance to the district level. Private Sector The private sector will ensure the creation of Small and Medium Scale industries in order to increase employment opportunities in the forestry sector and will also provide financing to the forestry sector through loans and investments. The private sector shall also develop and use markets for delivering the forest goods and services; provide business opportunities through loans and promote investments in forestry sector. Academia and Research Institutions The academia will provide research services; translate research findings and facilitate coordination with other research institutions; and process research requests and provide professional training. Civil Society The civil society will support capacity building of local communities and frontline staff, provision of inputs for afforestation and community mobilisation for FBEs development. 30 National Forest Policy 2016 Development/Cooperating Partners Development and Cooperating partners will provide technical and financial support to the forestry sector in accordance with the Environment Natural Resources (ENR) and Climate Change (CC) strategy. Traditional Leaders Traditional leaders will mobilise communities to participate in forestry programmes, developing and enforcing forestry community by-laws and implementation of forestry activities. City and District Councils City and district councils will develop and enforce forestry by-laws; Forestry Management Board The Board will advise the Minister Responsible for Forestry on matters related to forestry management. Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources The Committee shall advocate for the implementation of the policy and lobby for increased budget allocation for implementation of forestry programmes and activities. Media The media shall advocate public awareness on sustainable forest resource management; and influence policy decisions on forest management. 31 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 5.0 POLICY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN A strategy has been developed which will guide the implementation of the policy. The Ministry responsible for forestry will lead and coordinate the implementation of the policy in order to achieve set objectives. The targets set out in the Implementation Strategy relate to the ten policy priority areas namely: Community Based Forestry Management; Indigenous Forests, Forest Reserves and Ecosystem Management; Plantations and Estates Management; Forestry Regulation and Quality Control; Forestry Knowledge Acquisition and Management; Capacity Development for the Forestry Sector; Biomass Energy Development; Development of Forest Based Industries; Regional and International Cooperation; and Financing Mechanisms. 6.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN The implementation of the National Forest Policy requires an effective monitoring and evaluation system with appropriate and efficient feedback mechanism. This entails carrying out monitoring and evaluation functions at all levels (national, sectoral and local). To establish internal self-monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, an institutionalised framework as outlined in the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy will be developed and adopted at all stages of planning and programming. The framework has appropriate monitoring and evaluation instruments such as performance indicators. The Policy will be reviewed based on a five-year cycle. However, this Policy or parts of it may be reviewed at any time if there are significant changes in the operating environment in the course of its implementation. 31 32 National Forest Policy 2016 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION STRATEGY 7.1 Introduction In order to operationalize the National Forest Policy 2016, and achieve the set targets, an implementation, monitoring and evaluation strategy has been developed. The strategy is divided into four sections. Section 7.2 presents policy priority area, its specific objective and strategies that will be implemented to achieve the goal. Section 7.3 is an implementation plan presented in a matrix form. Section 7.4 presents a monitoring and evaluation strategy also in matrix form. 7.2 Strategies for Policy Implementation 7.2.1 Policy Priority Area 1: Community Based Forest Management Objective: Promote the participation of local communities, civil society and private sector in forest conservation and management. Strategy 1: Promoting appropriate incentives for the participation of local communities in the management of forest resources in the country. Strategy 2: Promoting the establishment of effective governance structures at local community/village level to ensure accountability and transparency. Strategy 3: Supporting communities to access carbon finance through engagement into REDD+, CDM and Biodiversity conservation, PES activities. Strategy 4: Promoting dissemination of technical information based on scientific and indigenous knowledge. National Forest Policy 2016 32 33 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 7.2.2 Policy Priority Area 2: Indigenous Forests, Forest Reserves and Ecosystem Management Objective 1: Promote sustainable management of forests for the protection of the environment, conservation of biodiversity and climate change management. Strategy 1: Strengthening fire management systems to ensure sustainable management of indigenous forests, forest reserves, and riparian areas by involving public, private sectors and local communities. Strategy 2: Promoting effective participation of the local communities and private sector in the management of forest reserves, special ecosystems, threatened species as well as secondary forests by use of incentives. Strategy 3: Promoting an increased forest cover and reduction of carbon loss through appropriate incentives for sustainable management like Payment for ecosystems management in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the development of primary and secondary forest industries. Strategy 4: Enhancing gazzettment of all proposed forest reserves that promotes forest genetic resources conservation. Strategy 5: Promoting and maintaining the resilience of ecosystem functions to climate change and biodiversity loss. Strategy 6: Promoting the development and management of a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) that supports Malawi REDD+ strategy. Objective 2: Provide a conducive environment for promoting eco tourism in forest areas. Strategy 1: Promoting investment in eco-tourism in forest reserves and plantations. 33 National Forest Policy 2016 34 National Forest Policy 2016 7.2.3 Priority Policy Area 3: Industrial Plantations and Estates Management Objective: Promote the sustained management and utilization of forest resources based on research findings and recommendations Strategy 1: Promoting multiple uses of forests through market intensification of forest products nationally and internationally. Strategy 2: Strengthening fire management systems to ensure sustainable management of plantations and private forests for economic development of the country. Strategy 3: Promoting an increased forest cover and reduction of carbon loss through appropriate incentives for sustainable management like Payment for ecosystems management in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the development of primary and secondary forest industries. Strategy 4: Promoting the use of appropriate equipment and technology in the management and utilisation of forests. 7.2.4 Policy Priority Area 4: Forestry Regulation and Quality Control Objective: Promote a well regulated, compliant and monitored forestry sector with clearly defined forest standards and guidelines Strategy 1: Ensuring that the Forest Policy, Forest Act, regulations, standards, guidelines, EIAs, in sustainable forest management are reviewed, amended and adhered to. Strategy 2: Ensuring that forests are managed and utilised through concession agreements, permits and license to enable certification of products for international trade requirements. Strategy 3: Enforcing the 10% land covenant (10% of estate is under forest). 35 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 35 National Forest Policy 2016 36 National Forest Policy 2016 Strategy 4: Enforcing the requirement that all timber produced meet international standards. Strategy 5: Amending the Forest Act to provide for use of fire arms in law enforcement. 7.2.5 Policy Priority Area 5: Forestry Knowledge Acquisition and Management Objective: Promote sustained management and utilization of forest resources based on research findings and recommendations Strategy 1: Promoting research on improved seed, germplasm, pests and diseases and fire management for increased productivity of plantations. Strategy 2: Promoting research into land use systems, trees on farm, woodlands and ecosystems to enhance the sustainable utilization of indigenous forest resources. Strategy 3: Promoting research on indigenous knowledge for sustainable forest resource use and management. Strategy 4: Strengthening linkages and dissemination of research findings for the indigenous woodlands and plantation forests. Strategy 5: Promoting national research on the two-way relationship of climate change and forests/trees. 7.2.6 Priority Policy Area 6: Capacity Development for the Forestry Sector Objective: Enhance the development of requisite human resource commensurate with the implementation of the policy Strategy 1: Promoting the development and implementation of curricula that promote sustainable management of forest resources at education/training institutions. National Forest Policy 2016 36 37 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 Strategy 2: Promoting equal opportunities and access to training and career development in forestry. Strategy 3: Promoting the acquisition of appropriate technologies in sustainable forest management through research and training. 7.2.7 Policy Priority Area 7: Biomass Energy Development Objective: Promote the growing of trees by all sections of the communities in order to achieve sustainable self sufficiency of firewood, charcoal and forest products and services. Strategy 1: Promoting green charcoal production and utilisation through improved and efficient charcoal kilns and clean cook stoves. Strategy 2: Promoting the development and use of alternative sources of energy for cooking for rural and urban areas. Strategy 3: Promoting indigenous woodland regeneration and the establishment of woodlots and homestead planting specifically for firewood. Strategy 4: Promote the implementation of the HIV Work Place Strategy for the forestry sector. 7.2.8 Priority Policy Area 8: Development of Forest Based Industries Objective: Promote the establishment of forest based small and medium scale industries. Strategy 1: Promoting forest-based small and medium scale industries through provision of appropriate incentives. Strategy 2: Promoting community and individuals’ participation and involvement in tree seed collection, marketing of tree seedlings and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). 38 National Forest Policy 2016 Strategy 3: Enhance the development and implementation of forest based small and medium scale industries through provision of appropriate equipment and technologies and linkages with other service providers. 7.2.9 Policy Priority Area 9: Regional and International Cooperation Objective: Enhance cooperation in forestry related issues at national, regional and international levels to maximize resources and information flows into the forestry sector Strategy 1: Promoting insurances and adherence to international and regional treaties. Strategy 2: Enhancing exchange of information through networking which would Curtail the illegal cross-border forests products. 7.2.10 Policy Priority Area 10: Financing Mechanisms Objective: 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 Strategy 1: Promoting institutional arrangements that will enable increased revenues flows into forest-related activities for financing the sector. Strategy 2: Enhancing the refinancing of the forestry sector through increased budget allocations to be commensurate with its contribution into the GDP. Strategy 3: Strengthening the FDMF/Trust Fund through increased revenue collections through Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), REDD+, CDM and other innovative approaches for sustainable financing of the forest sector. National Forest Policy 2016 38 39 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 7.3 Implementation Plan 40 National Forest Policy 2016 41 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 42 National Forest Policy 2016 43 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 43 National Forest Policy 2016 44 National Forest Policy 2016 45 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 46 National Forest Policy 2016 47 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 48 National Forest Policy 2016 49 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 7.4 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 50 National Forest Policy 2016 51 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 52 National Forest Policy 2016 53 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 53 54 National Forest Policy 2016 55 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 56 National Forest Policy 2016 57 National Forest Policy 2016 National Forest Policy 2016 58 National Forest Policy 2016 60 National Forest Policy 2016 Government of Malawi Department of Forestry P.O. Box 30048 Lilongwe 3 Malawi