The National Forestry Development Plan: Sustainable Forestry Model (MFS) is a national sectoral plan with a duration of 25 years (2008-2033) elaborated by the National Environmental Authority of Panama. The MFS aims to restore watersheds, preserve protected areas, and promote reforestation. The MFS encourages responsible participation of all sectors and stakeholders in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources; will help mitigate the effects of climate change through carbon sequestration and promote the adaptation of the population to the consequences of this phenomenon, all of which will translate into better living conditions for all inhabitants of Panama. The MSF aims to structure the foundations of forest development in the country, based on the principles of sustainable development, the multi-functionality of forests, the contribution to land management, the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) resulting from changes in land use, and public and social participation in the implementation of the proposed actions, to promote the exercise the responsibility of society in the conservation and productive management of forests. The MFS provides three programmes aimed at addressing the high level of forest deterioration that affects the major river basins of the country: 1) Ecosystem Restoration Programme; 2) Forest Stewardship Programme; and 3) Training, Research and Dissemination Programme. The MFS promotes the use of agroforestry and sylvopastoral systems for food production, as well as the preservation of soil and water with the aim to contribute to food production in general. It also promotes closer coordination between the institutions responsible, in order to reverse the process which undermines forests, and to ensure food and water security. The MFS is an important mechanism for the sustainable use of forest resources. It will develop programmes for the restoration and conservation of ecosystems in watersheds and protected areas through forest management, reforestation, community forestry, forest nurseries, the use of fallen trees, and community animal breeding for consumption and commercialization. It will also establish model forests to reforest lands, and model forests for the management of native forests in forest lands. In addition, it promotes forestry investments for the recovery of degraded soils through plantations for commercial use, and for recreational, conservation and ecotourism purposes. Lastly it promotes research, training and forestry expansion through science and technology projects. The MSF is an important mechanism for the minimization of rural poverty which provides for the generation of local employment and sources of income for rural communities that are linked to reforestation and sylvicultural systems. The MSF will generate alternative agricultural and food systems by combining agroforestry, sylvopastoral, and sustainable agricultural systems in rural communities. Programmes on capacity bulding, research and dissemination of information are linked to the Plan. The instrument will contribute to mitigate climate change and reduce vulnerability through adaptation measures. In addition, the MSF through forestry activities will contribute to reduce environmental risks associated with natural disasters, such as landslides, floods and fires. The MSF will strengthen forest governance through the effective implementation of supervision and control processes, the monitoring and evaluation of natural resources, furthering private forest investment, and inter-agency coordination. Notably, the MFS promotes a new culture related to the valuation of the country’s natural resources, the integration of communities into the process of environmental sustainability, and the participation of citizens in informative, consultative and operative forest related processes.
巴拿马 · 2008-06-01