Cabinet approves National Forests Policy 2022 to protect natural resources of Dominica

Roseau, Dominica: The Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Dominica has approved the adoption of the National Forest Policy 2022 to guide the sustainable management of forests and natural resources of Dominica. 

The Minister of Environment, Rural Modernisation, and Kalinago upliftment Cozier Frederick has issued a statement from the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica over the adoption of the National Forest Policy 2022.  

While emphasizing the vision of the government of Dominica behind the National Forests Policy, Ministry noted that the policy is based on the vision of government and development objectives set out in the national vigilant developmental strategies and climate-resilient recovery plan to protect and sustainably leverage the natural and unique assets of the island. 

He further stated that the guides and the conservation, protection and use of the forests of Dominica by ensuring the social, economic and environmental attributes and benefits are sustained to enhance the current and future generations whilst fulfilling the country’s climate-resilient goals. 

Outlining the aspects of the policy, Frederick affirmed,” The National Forests Policy sets a powerful to guide conservation, protection, management, and sustainable use of forests to deliver on its objectives”.  

The main objectives of the policy are: 

• Maintain and enhance the biodiversity and ecological functioning of forests.
• Increase the area of land covered by forests and other forests vegetation types.
• Optimize the contribution of forests resources to livelihood and the economy.

“National forests policy 2022 was developed by the forestry, wildlife and pact division with the assistance of the world bank to promote a strategic and modernized natural resource developments framework allied with the global best practices. We have particularly focused on forestry and protective areas”, the minister added. 

He further portrayed that the consultation was held between November 2021 to February 2022 with the staff of forestry, wildlife and pacts division and autistic holders, including representatives from various NGOs and private landowners, to inform the content of the National Forests Policy 2022