Chhattisgarh Forest Department / NWFP Certification

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Mr. Ajit Pramod Kumar Jogi, welcomed all the participants on behalf of himself and the state of Chhattisgarh. He stated that many a times certification is synonymous with standardization but it shall not be so with regard to non-wood forest produce. The need of certification has been felt as the entire humanity is worried about the survival of forests. For a better tomorrow, forests need to be saved. The Chief Minister emphasized that non-wood forest produce should be harvested in such a manner that our forests can become sustainably managed resource. The process of certification ensures that a particular forest produce has been extracted without harming the forests. Forests are older than the human civilizations and humanity cannot survive without the forests which provide a range of goods and services to the mankind and constitute an integral part of the life support system of human civilizations. Mr. Jogi reiterated that for any process of certification, sustainability remains a key aspect.

Another important factor is the social aspect, which calls for the "concern for the people". The forests should not be seen in isolation. People, especially those inhabiting the forests must have their fair share in the benefits accruing from the certification process and thereby be integrated into the mainstream society. Therefore, there is an urgent need for maintaining a balance between the forests and the needs of the people. The Chief Minister added that certification of non-wood forest produce in the state of Chhattisgarh shall enhance the well being of both the forests as well as the people. Today, there is a worldwide interest and demand for natural, herbal and organically grown products. This should be seen as an opportunity to alleviate the poverty of our people by ensuring better market and marketability of the produces collected and processed by the people. He emphasized the importance of putting on place enabling policies and people friendly framework, which would lead to 'man with forests' rather than 'man versus forests'. He expressed his willingness and acknowledgement of a policy which encourage sustainable management of forests; a policy of non-destructive harvest and a policy for developing multi-tier forests.

The Chief Minister also hoped that the participants of the workshop would arrive at an Action Programme, which operationalizes certification of non-wood forest produce including medicinal, aromatic and dye plants through quality enhancement and improved forest management practices that are at the same time people friendly and people oriented. Such a framework will not only benefit the industries but also the people of Chhattisgarh and forests of state.

Vote of thanks by Mr. Rajendra Pambhoi, Chairman,
Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading and Development)
Cooperative Federation Limited, Raipur.

Mr. Pambhoi extended his vote of thanks to the participants at the conclusion of the Inaugural Session and expressed his confidence that the workshop would be able to deliberate upon the certification issue keeping forests and people in focus. He reiterated the Hon'ble Chief Minister's views that without forests, man cannot survive. Chhattisgarh state is rich in forest resources and it is imperative to conserve these valuable resources and therefore, it is our responsibility to protect our forests on a priority basis. He also envisioned that through committed and continued concerted efforts, Chhattisgarh can become a pioneer in the world with regard to certification of non-wood forest produce including medicinal and aromatic plants and will yield to improvement in life of the forest inhabitants and conservation of forest resources.