Print Options

(1) The Commission shall be responsible for the regulation of the utilization of forest and wildlife resources, the conservation and management of those resources and the co-ordination of policies related to them.

(2) Without limiting the scope of subsection (1) of this section the Commission shall-

(a) Regulate the utilization of forest and timber resources by

(i) Vetting and the registration of contracts to market timber and such other forest and wildlife products as the Commission may determine;

(ii) The establishment of procedures to track the movement of timber, wood and wildlife products;

(iii) Monitoring the harvesting, marketing of forest and wildlife products and related contracts;

(iv) Promoting the development and dissemination of appropriate industrial standards and trade guidelines for timber, wood and wildlife products;

(v) The conduct of pre-shipment inspection and examination of timber, wood and wildlife

products;

(vi) Advising on approvals to establish new timber industries and the registration of approved timber processors and traders in forest and wildlife products;

(b) Manage the nation's forest reserves and protected areas by

(i) Proper planning for the protection, harvesting and development of forest and wildlife resources in a sustainable manner;

(ii) Monitoring the condition and extent of the nation's forest and wildlife resources;

(iii) Controlling the harvesting of forest and wildlife products;

(iv) Making recommendations to the Minister on the grant of timber rights and wildlife licenses;

(v) Advising the Minister on forest and wildlife policy with particular regard to management practices that sustains resources and improve productivity;

(c) Assist the private sector and the other bodies with the implementation of forest and wildlife policies by

(i) Advising and the provision of technical services with regard to matters of resource protection, management and development and of market intelligence pertaining to the timber and wildlife industries;

(ii) Co-operating and liaising with national and international bodies and organizations on forestry and wildlife conservation and utilization;

(iii) Supporting the development of forest plantations for the restoration of degraded forest reserves, the increased production of industrial timber and the expansion of the country's protected forest cover;

(iv) The provision of training management and technical skills for related industries;

(v) Advising the appointing authority on matters concerning employment, discipline and training of staff;

(d) Undertake the development of forest plantations for the restoration of degraded forests areas, the expansion of the country's forest cover and the increase in the production of industrial timber; and

(e) Undertake such other functions as are incidental to the foregoing, or as the Minister may direct. Ministerial responsibility and directions by the Minister