Forest Structure Outdated!

The posting by Phutsho Namgyel on the forest structure status in
India is thought provoking for Bhutanese foresters as well. Many of
our Bhutanese Foresters are trained in India, Dehra Dun. It does not
exclude me either.

Our approach to forest management in Bhutan has, over
years, at least have attempted to evolve away from the Colonial type
of system. As an outsider, not being in the main line forestry
profession practisioner, I always had a feeling that our approach to
forest management in line to 'community participations' have not very
much moved ahead. May be wrong, and am subject to correction, as is
not meant otherwise. But to initiate a discussion, I bring this point
forward to have a feeling of Bhutanese foresters. I also had a
feeling that many forestry officials are at the crossroad, of changes
in practice, as many young forest officials are trained more and more
from outside India these days. Accomodating their views and
understanding could sometime invite emotional reaction.

During curriculum revision at NRTI, I was always hesitant, often
thinking that the forestry syllabus would still require revamp.
Putting into the elements of community involvement more so. So is the
training at NRTI more oriented to forestry extension. Having said all
these, Forest management in Bhutan has made much progress in getting
away from the colonial type. Do we agree to this or are we still in
the grip of the old system?

More discussion in open forum like this will certainly help us to
reorient ourselves, if needed.