Forests for People

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Mexico’s forestry policy

Juan Manuel Torres Rojo, Director General of the National Forestry Commission, Mexico

atural resources are a primary foundation for the life

of a country’s people and the promotion of competitive-

ness and economic development. The conservation of

ecosystems and the environmental functions they perform are

fundamental in the design and implementation of a comprehen-

sive sustainable development strategy.

Mexico has large areas of forest vegetation in which a significant

percentage of the planet’s biological diversity exists and develops.

Also, millions of people live in these areas and their livelihoods

depend directly on forest resources.

During the last century, forest resources and their services were

underestimated, neglected by national public policy design and lacking

recognition by society. The result was a loss of natural capital, a decline

in productive opportunities and deterioration of quality

of life for the owners and holders of the country’s forest

and jungles.

Today, the scenario is completely different. The Federal

Government and large segments of society have priori-

tized maintenance of the forest ecosystem’s integrity and

its associated resources, not only because of their environ-

mental, social and economic benefits, but also as reservoirs

of cultural diversity that identify our country and provide

a foundation of welfare for their owners and holders and

all people living in them.

Social participation has been a key point in the

national forest policy vision because forestry activity is

not just important for those directly involved, owners

Cascadas de Agua Azul waterfalls, considered as a natural protected area located north of the State Chiapas, Mexico

Image: CONAFOR