Ullsten, who is the former prime minister of Sweden, was one of the main speakers at the recent TERI Silver Jubilee Conference. He appreciated the valuable resources of natural forests in India. Says Ullsten, ``Unlike many countries in Europe and the developing world, India is one of the few countries in the world still having reserves of natural forests. The new concept of joint forest management (JFM) initiated in India is the right step in the direction of preserving this natural environment in the country. This concept will not only encourage the local people in preserving the forest, but also help them to earn their livelihood from minor forest produce.''

After graduating in social sciences in 1956, Ullsten entered politics and ultimately became prime minister of Sweden in the period of 1978-79. After leaving politics, he has solely dedicated himself to furthering social and environmental causes all over the globe.

At the conference, Ullsten also voiced the need for formulation of a global forest policy and resolving the North-South divide over the issue of forest security and environmental protection. If possible, appeals would be made to the WTO to restrict timber trade in the interests of forest security, he said.

Union environment minister T R Baalu reiterated that the government would soon launch the setting up of district forest development agencies (DFDAs) all over the country along the lines of the existing district rural development agencies (DRDAs). ``All future Central funds and assistance for forestry programmes will be directly routed through these proposed DFDAs,'' he said.

``India has already sought technical and financial assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the development of bamboo resources and products, creating mass awareness about conservation and protection of environment, development of eco-villages and dry toilets in the country. The government is awaiting the UNDP report on bamboo plantation in the country. The government will set up a Bamboo Development Board and liberalise the movement of bamboo in the country.''

Stating that India is keen to access higher levels of funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Baalu also underlined the need for a regional scientific and technical advisory panel (STAP) of GEF as local experts would be better placed to appreciate the concerns of the developing countries. In view of the Planning Commission raising the outlay for forestry and wildlife in the ensuing Budget 2000-2001 by 40 per cent to Rs 850 crore, MEF is busy finalising the draft national forestry research plan.

As per the Rio Declaration, the National Forestry Action Plan has already been launched to attain a target of 48.23 million hectares of forest area in 20 years with an estimated investment of Rs 1,232,321.20 million, out of which Rs 272,280.50 million will be mopped up from global donor agencies.