This article has been written by Tanvitha Reddy Kadasani, a 2nd year BA LLB student of Osmania University College of Law, Hyderabad.
ABSTRACT
A geographical indication tag is given to a product based on its unique characteristics attributed to the geographical location where it is produced or manufactured. The geographic location and territory play an important role in determining whether a product should be granted geographical indication or not. As such there are products produced in or manufactured from forest products like timber from forests used to manufacture furniture. Among such forest products, there are some which receive GI tag. However, to maintain the quality and unique character of the product many factors come into play like climate conditions, soil fertility, etc. To maintain the perfect environment to produce forest products sustainable forest management plays a vital role. GI in some ways helps in sustainable forest management as it tests the authenticity and quality of a product unique to a geographical location. The process of attaining the GI tag promotes among producers the need for environmental sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
Sustainability can be seen as a combination of three pillars i.e., economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Sustainability in development ensures that the needs of the present generation are met while keeping in view the needs of the future generation as well so that there is no careless management of resources which may lead to future exhaustion of resources. Sustainable Forest Management aims to ensure responsible management of forests and forest resources supplying goods and services to meet the present-day needs as well as the needs of future generations and contribute to sustainable development.
Due to a lack of appropriate legislation and incentives many forests across the world are not being managed appropriately. Inadequate planning mechanisms and funding also result in inadequate implementation of the forest management plans and a lack of active involvement of stakeholders and forest managers. Many a time it is also observed that sustainable practices are extended to only timber and wood products and non-wood products receive less attention for sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN INDIA
Forest resources play a crucial role in the development of any nation and its communities. Many in the country are dependent on forest resources and the produce from forests has helped alleviate rural poverty in developing countries like India. Sustainable forest management is necessary in India to protect the livelihood of forest-dependent communities and conserve biodiversity. Due to an increase in public awareness and the formation of treaties and conventions all over the world increasing stress has been placed on the acceptance of only those forest products that have originated from sustainable forest management. Mechanisms of certification and eco-labeling have been encouraged to ensure sustainable forest management practices. The widely accepted criteria and indicator method has been implemented in India. Criteria provide essential elements and conditions that help in assessing sustainable forest management. Today we see the application of criteria and indicators at a national level. The National Forest Commission in its report in 2006 recommended the creation of an environment that enables assessment, monitoring, and reporting on national-level criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.
ROLE OF GI IN SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
A geographical indication identifies products originating from a specific geographical location. The quality and characteristics of the product are linked and attributed to the geographical location of origin. This strong connection between the GI-tagged product and the geographical area of its origin creates an incentive for producers to maintain the environmental condition of the area to ensure the quality of the natural resources used in producing the good. The producers can adopt green policies to protect the environment which helps them maintain the quality of their product for a long time sustainably.
GI-protected products are regularly tested and controlled to ensure their attributed qualities are delivered to consumers. The producers to maintain the quality and reputation of the goods originating from a geographical area need to recognize the importance of the adequate and effective management of the resources that give their products their quality, especially in agriculture and foodstuffs.
The fundamental step during GI registration is the examination of the request for GI registration. To analyze the practices and process is the production of the product requesting GI registration the authorities must take a multidisciplinary examination of the GI request.
FIRST FOREST PRODUCE TO GET GI TAG
Nilambur Teak which is found in Kerala is the first forest produce to receive a GI tag according to a report made by The Times of India. The GI tag identifies that this type of teak originates and is found only in Nilambur Taluk in Kerala and anyone selling another type of teak while mispresenting it to be Nilambur teak will be blocked from the market.
This further highlights the diverse nature of GI branding and opens up the possibility for more forest produce to receive geographical indication. The producers will receive more incentive to adopt sustainable means of production as the quality and reputation of their product, in the long run, will depend highly on sustainable practices of production. The economic interest of the producers will encourage them to adopt sustainable forest management.
CONCLUSION
Sustainable forest management is necessary to perverse forest resources that provide livelihood to rural communities as well as provide natural resources in India. Forest Certification has played a vital role in promoting sustainable practices in managing forest resources, similarly, geographical indication also encourages the producers to manage the forest resources effectively to ensure the quality and integrity of their products for a long time. Geographical indication registration requires a multidisciplinary examination of the GI product which takes into consideration the reputation, characteristics, and attributes associated with the geographical area of origin. This is to be maintained by the manufacturers and producers to ensure that their product holds the GI tag. Hence geographical indication promotes sustainable forest management among the producers with economic interests.
REFERENCES:
This article was originally written by Pape-Tahirou Kanoute and published in the WIPO Magazine. The link for the same is herein https://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/2020/02/article_0006.html
This Research paper was written by Tajbar S. Rawat, B. L. Menaria, D. Dugaya, and P. C. Kotwal and published in the Current Science Journal. The link for the same is herein https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/94/08/0996.pdf
This research paper was written by Emilie Vandecandelaere and Florence Tartanac, and published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The link for the same is herein https://www.fao.org/3/cc3891en/cc3891en.pdf
This article was written by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and published on the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations website. The link for the same is herein https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forests-management/en/
This article was written by T Ramavarman and published on The Times of India Website. This link for the same is herein https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/first-for-forest-produce-gi-tag-for-nilambur-teak/articleshow/62320961.cms
This article was written by Anakha Arikara and published on The Better India website. The link for the same is herein https://www.thebetterindia.com/126347/nilambur-teak-gi-tag/