Basic Concepts of Social Forestry

Introduction

Social forestry means the management and protection of forests and afforestation on barren lands with the purpose of helping in the environmental, social and rural development.

The term, social forestry, was first used in India in 1976 by The National Commission on Agriculture, Government of India.

It also aims at raising plantations by the common man so as to meet the growing demand for timber, fuel wood, fodder etc., and thereby reducing pressure on traditional forest areas. This concept of village forests to meet the needs of rural people is not new. It has existed through the centuries all over the country, but it is now being given a new name.

Social Forestry means making use of unused and fallow lands so that deeper forests are safeguarded from exploitation, by using fast-growing trees to meet the needs of fodder and fuelwood.

History of Social Forestry in Bangladesh

The history of social forestry in Bangladesh is linked with the institutional approach to the introduction of forest extension services in the Forest Department. During 1962-63, two forest extension divisions, one at Rajshahi and other at Dhaka were created and the tree planting day on 1st June was introduced. Since the creation of the forest extension division for raising and distributing of seedlings, a gradual expansion of activities took place. The activities, however, remained confined in the establishment of nurseries and ceremonial planting in the district headquarters and some important centres. Tree planting campaign initially was for a day which later extended to a week, then a month and subsequently to three months period. The programme activity initially was small and it never created impact on people. The activities failed to bring any change in the outlook of extension personnel or change in the mind of common people. No thought was given to the utilization of landless people and their involvement in the forestry activities.

Social forestry project in Bangladesh was taken up by entrepreneurs like Mahbubul Alam Chashi, Mohammad Eunus and Abdul Alim at Betagi and Pomora, two remote denuded hills in Rangunia thana of Chittagong district. One hundred one families were selected for the purpose and land was given to them.

Definition of Social Forestry

1. According to Bangla Pedia, "Social Forestry a forestry which aims at ensuring economic, ecological, and social benefits to the people, particularly to the rural masses and those living below poverty line, specially by involving the beneficiaries right from the planning stage to the harvesting stage."

2. According to Mr. Westoby, "Social Forestry is a forestry which aims at continuously providing protection and recreation benefits for the community. Social Forestry means the management and protection of forests and afforestation on barren lands with the purpose of helping in the environmental ,social and rural development."[Negi,1986].

Social forestry was first used by Mr. Westoby in Ninth Commonwealth forestry congress in 1968 at Delhi.

3. Forestry has been defined as a profession embracing the science, business and art of creating, conserving, and managing forests and forest lands for the continuing use of these resources (Ford-Robertson,1971).

The 4 Major Types of Social Forestry

1. Agroforestry

This involves growing trees in a way to provide the landowners with forest and agricultural products on a commercial basis. The main objective of this is to have positive interactions between the two systems of forests and agriculture. These systems can also be separately practiced.

This is the best type of social forestry if someone wants to start a venture of farm forestry while maintaining the existing agriculture practices. This type of forestry provides economic as well as social benefits. Additionally, this goes perfectly along with one of the major principles of Permaculture (No.11. Value the marginal). Permaculture is one of the Sustainable Farming methods.

2. Farm Forestry

In this type of forestry, the objective is to grow trees for a specific purpose of harvesting a product. The main purpose is usually to plant timber trees on private lands, but this venture can also be used in other ways, like for fruit farming.

Farm forestry has many benefits which include shelter and pasture for animals; diversification of earnings, increase in capital value, improved environmental conditions, improved living and heightened biodiversity.

3. Extension forestry

This type of forestry is becoming very common in urban cities as it involves the planting of trees on the sides of roads, canals and railways. This is a very viable option for local governments looking for betterment of their communities.

4. Community forestry

This refers to the management of the communal land. The projects are decided and implemented by the village members on the communal land. The local people take part in managing, planning and harvesting the crops. They even share the socio-economic and ecological benefits. The main purpose of such forestry is to increase the involvement for local people and lead the whole village into prosperity. Another major advantage is that there is reduced inequality between members of the community/village which is sometimes the root to evil actions.

Another Social Forestry is-

Scientific Forestry (Silviculture)

Scientific forestry focuses on replacing and replanting of new crops and trees. The various objectives of scientific forestry are listed below.

Afforestation in blank areas
Trying to increase raw materials for forest-based industries.
Increase employment opportunities.
Production of high-quality timber species
Raise species which will give more economic value
Ensuring soil conservation

Benefits of Social Forestry

1. Increased Biodiversity

When trees are grown in barren lands, they help to increase the biodiversity value among the community on a whole other level. When trees grow larger and longer they enhance the nature of habitat. Forests which are well maintained and managed properly, they encourage biodiversity as they help to offer habitation for various animals, shrubs, plants, birds and insects among others. In nature, wherever and wherever trees grow; other plants and wildlife follow.

Trees and many other plans become the source of food and shelter for many small animals and birds. Many mature trees create an environment which encourages the growth of many other plants which would not have existed otherwise. This therefore increases the food varieties for animals and the local people living nearby.

2. Carbon Removal

Trees act as carbon sinks. Trees play a very important role in the fight against global warming, as they remove carbon from the air. While growing the trees absorb carbon dioxide while removing it from the environment. Majority of the carbon emissions in urban cities come from cars, trains and whatnot; social forestry is seen as the best way to counter it. You can also read about the exact process of how plants help the environment!

In 1990, a study by Akbari and others estimated that if 100 million trees are planted, they would save 22 billion kilowatt hours(KWh) of energy and about 3 million tons of carbon emissions for carbon dioxide annually in a time span of ten years. However, it should be understood that the actual amount of carbon dioxide which would be removed would depend upon the types of trees and vegetation planted in the forest.

The places which are well covered by trees can be up to 6-7 degrees cooler than the areas which are devoid of trees.

3. Soil Conservation

This is also one of the major benefits of social forestry. Communities which embrace social forestry have had many significant economic and health benefits which they enjoy in terms of improved agricultural activities. Tree roots hold onto the soil which protects the soil from erosion, keeping it in place.

In a medium-sized city, the trees which are planted along the roads and in parks can help save around 10 tons of soil annually. The tree leaves which decay also help the soil to get rich as they form an organic layer on the ground allowing the water to percolate onto the soil (A technique used in organic and sustainable farming methods). This reduces the chances of soil erosion.

Trees greatly reduce the likelihood of overland flow of water as the tree roots store the water among them and hold the soil in place too!

4. Health Benefits

There are many researches on how beneficial trees are for humans. Trees and other aspects of nature are all natural remedies for anxiety and stress. Taking a walk in the park has been a great source of calm for people when they are stressed.

Planting trees in human habitat would contribute a lot towards better health and improved well-being. It is now very common that hospitals are planting and growing trees because of their healing effects.

Trees also help in absorbing many pollutants from the air that may have negative effects on human health. They even provide medicinal value for numerous communities and healthcare providers.

5. Community Enrichment

Trees help to make the neighborhood look more serene and attractive. Community Areas with trees attracts more people for living rather than an area which does not have trees (this also has an economically beneficial side to it). Trees also provide shade which improves the environment surrounding your outdoor furniture.

Areas which are well stocked with trees help keep the community together as the inhabitants have a common goal of betterment of community.

6. Noise Reduction

Noise triggers anxiety and stress. Loud noises can disturb sleep, affect behavior of people and even cause mental illnesses. Being exposed to loud noise over a long period of time can even cause hearing loss. Many solutions are being employed to reduce noise pollution and among those is social forestry as it helps to reduce noise pollution.

Trees absorb and reflect sound energy which reduces noise pollution.

7. Improved Air Quality

Most people associate trees with just the removal of carbon dioxide, that can never be overlooked but trees also help to improve air quality and clean surrounding air. An acre of trees help to generate enough oxygen for 18 people. Trees also absorb pollutants which are harmful to people’s health. Polluted air is often a major reason for exacerbation of asthma or COPD.

Basically, trees clean the air by absorbing all the pollutants from the air, as their leaves store and trap the particles which get filtered through their stems, leaves and twigs. The smallest particles trapped by plants are around 10 microns small.

8. Increased Biodiversity

Growing of trees in barren lands within the community helps to increase biodiversity value. As trees grow larger, the nature of the habitat will change. Well managed forests encourage biodiversity as they offer habitation for various animals, plants, shrubs, insects, and birds among others. In nature, wherever there are trees, other plants and wildlife follow.

In social forestry, trees and associated plants become the source of food and shelter for a variety of small animals and birds. Furthermore, mature trees create an environment that encourages the growth of other plants that would otherwise not be existent thereby increasing food varieties for animals and the local people.

9. Carbon removal – trees act as carbon sinks

In the fight against the global warming effect, trees play an essential role in the removal of carbon from the environment. Trees use carbon dioxide when growing and thus, removing it from the environment.

Social forestry is seen as the best way to reduce carbon dioxide in urban settings. Trees’ energy-saving effect also indirectly lowers carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the demand for power.

It is estimated that planting of 100 million trees would help save 22 billion kilowatt-hours and about 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually after ten years according to a 1990 study by Akbari and others.

However, it is worth noting that the actual amount of carbon dioxide removed from the air depends on the types of trees and vegetation in the forest.

On its own, a mature Bradford pear can store up to 306 kg of carbon dioxide in its aboveground biomass. Trees help to reduce carbon dioxide by acting as a carbon dioxide sink and by reducing energy use. Neighborhoods well covered with trees can be up to 6 to 10 degrees cooler than areas without tree cover.

Energy conservation and reducing overall atmospheric temperatures

Trees are natural air conditioners. The evaporation that can happen from a single tree can have the cooling effect similar to ten room-sized air conditioners operating together almost throughout the day. Planting trees at your home would help reduce the outdoor heat around the house and the air-conditioners would have to work less which would save energy and subsequently lower your bills.

Social Benefits

Trees have many social benefits which makes the neighborhood more valuable and attractive. Social forestry also helps with creating more inviting and cooler areas for relaxation such as playgrounds and parks. They even add up to color and beauty.

The green color of the trees creates an effect that is calming and helps the eye to be relieved of strains. Trees also provide a shaded place where people can meet under the scorching sun.

Sociology Blog

Basic Concepts of Social Forestry

Introduction

History of Social Forestry in Bangladesh

Definition of Social Forestry