FOREST ECOSYSTEM
NATIONAL R and D STATEMENT
The R and D programs under the forest ecosystem focus on generating vital information and technologies for the sustainable management and development of the natural and plantation forests as well as on the conservation of biodiversity.
PROBLEMS/ISSUES/RESEARCHABLE AREAS
Forest Resources Depletion
- Development and utilization of alternative sources of raw material (timber and non-timber, LKS but commercially potential)
- Reduction and utilization of logging wastes and residues
- Rehabilitation and management of critical watersheds
Insufficient artificial and natural renewal
- Sustainable regeneration through TSI, ANR and enrichment plantings establishment of productive plantations (minor forest products) in inadequately stocked stands
- Silvicultural techniques and harvesting systems for timber and non-timber products
- Production of high quality seeds and planting stocks for reforestation
Inadequate benchmark information
- Characterization of the forest ecosystem (ecological profile and biodiversity inventory, assessment and valuation ; botanical and zoological survey and inventory, wildlife biology and ecology)
- Dynamics of logged-over forests
- Growth, yield and economic rotations of tree species
Impact assessment and forest influences studies
- Rationalization of forest-based industry
Inadequate forest protection and conservation measures
- Effective forest protection from people, fire, pests and diseases, environmental hazards
- Soil and water conservation (erosion control measures; vegetative and structural methods)
- Conservation, protection, management, reproduction and proper utilization of indigenous species especially endangered and threatened flora and fauna
- Socio-cultural-economic research and policy studies (CBFM and other schemes)
Need to improve conservation and management of parks and bio-diversity-rich areas
- Conservation, management, development and protection of IPAS areas and other national parks
- Ecotourism and recreation studies