Social Forestry
Social forestry refers to the management and conservation of forests, as well as afforestation efforts on barren lands, with the aim of contributing to environmental, social, and rural development. The concept of social forestry was classified into three categories by the National Commission on Agriculture in 1976: Urban forestry, Rural forestry, and Farm forestry.
Urban forestry focuses on the cultivation and management of trees on both public and private lands in and around urban areas. This includes areas such as green belts, parks, roadside avenues, and industrial and commercial green spaces.
Rural forestry emphasizes the promotion of agroforestry and community forestry. Agroforestry involves the cultivation of trees alongside agricultural crops on the same land, including unused areas. This integrated approach combines forestry with agriculture, enabling the simultaneous production of food, fodder, fuel, timber, and fruit.
Community forestry involves the cultivation of trees on public or communal land, such as village pastures, temple grounds, roadside areas, canal banks, strips along railway lines, and school premises. The community forestry program aims to benefit the entire community by providing opportunities for participation and shared benefits. It allows landless individuals to engage in tree cultivation and access benefits that may otherwise be limited to landowners.
Forest Conservation| Class 11 Geography Notes
The forest conservation policy initiated by the Government of India is a comprehensive framework aimed at the sustainable management of forests to ensure their long-term viability while meeting the socio-economic needs of local communities. Here’s a detailed overview of the key aspects of the policy.