Abstract

Administration of public forests aims at sustainable management. In the absence of critical studies it is difficult to evaluate how well this goal is achieved. An analysis of the investment pattern in this sector can provide clues to the real priorities pursued in this sector. A study of the forestry investments in Kerala from 1956 to 1985 reveal that the policy was oriented towards short term gains, of harvesting old growth, ignoring sustainability. Sustainability can be assured only when it is legally binding on the Forest Department and when citizens have a right to information and have a right to challenge proposed or on going activities for conformity to sustainability principles