Achievement of forest policy objectives in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The focal theme of the vision of State Forestry Sector is sustainable management of forest resources through participatory approach , with emphasis on the protection and regeneration of forests and forest land to ensure a green and healthy Andhra Pradesh for the future generations. To achieve the said vision, the Government of AP has its own forest policy framework in consonance with the forest policies laid down by Government of India. Despite the changes made in the central and state forest policies from time to time, the quality of forest cover under the state management is diminishing constantly. An attempt is made in this research paper to evaluate the achievements of the forest policy objectives by conducting a sample survey among various stake holders, especially the forest officials and the villagers living along the forest fringes. Two theoretical research frameworks namely Impact Pathway Framework and Criteria and Indicator Framework , were used in combination for systematically converting subjective perceptions of the forest staff and the people to objective parameters, for evaluation and prioritization of the forest policy. The research findings confirmed that the forest policy objectives are slowly moving in a positive direction. However, some of the forest policy objectives like increasing productivity of the forests, provision of alternative livelihood to the people living near forest fringe villages and increasing supply of fuel-wood for the local population and fodder for the domestic cattle are to be given more thrust compared to the other forest policy objectives. The analysis led to further conclusion that though the forest policy objectives are clear and require little change, the policy implementation strategy and evaluation are not up to expectation and needs periodical monitoring of the performance indicators. Other reform measures such as participation of the private individual and community in protection and regeneration of forests, use of information technology tools in improving transparency in forest administration, third party independent monitoring and evaluation of public investments in forestry sector by objective measurement of changes in the baseline parameters, deregulation of import and export of wood and non-wood forest products and creation of a forest and wildlife regulatory authority will pave the way for better conservation of forest and wildlife resources in India.