Draft Goa state forest policy 2009
The state government has finally declared the 'Goa state forest policy - 2009' even as the green cover has shrunk drastically and is further threatened by mining and development activities. The policy seeks to blend the basic principles of the national forest policy ( NFP 1988) with the state's needs. Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and restoration of the ecological balance and conserving the state's natural heritage by preserving the natural forests of Western Ghats, which has been identified as one of the biodiversity hot-spot areas in the world, are among its frontline objectives. The policy envisages measures to control erosion, increase tree cover and protect forest areas through a host of measures, including securing people's involvement and control on poaching and illegal trade in wildlife. Promotion of ecotourism, medicinal plants and consolidation of forest boundaries are also proposed in the policy.