WHEREAS, the forest sector plays an important role in addressing the adverse effects of climate change and sustainable forest development, conservation and utilization plays a crucial role to halt environmental, social and economic problems caused by the high level of forest degradation in the country;

WHEREAS ,forest development, conservation and utilization has a decisive role in preventing soil erosion, desertification and loss of biodiversity;

WHEREAS, the forest sector also has a crucial role in balancing the demand and supply of forest products, sustain agricultural productivity and thereby ensure food security;

WHEREAS ,in addition to developing forest by state and private
ownership, it is necessary to introduce community and association forest development to implement the policy and strategy that have formulated to enhance sustainable forest development, conservation and utilization through to recognizing community ownership and public participation;

WHEREAS, to ensure sustainable forest development, conservation and utilization, it is necessary to classify forest into productive, protected and exclusively protected forests based on their environmental, social and economic significance;

WHEREAS it is necessary to further enhance the environmental, social and economical benefits that may arise from multi-lateral and bilateral agreements;

WHEREAS ,it is necessary to strength forest sector research, education, investment, trade and information system;

NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 51 (5) and Article 55(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia it is hereby proclaimed as follows.