General Law on Sustainable Forestry Development (LGDFS)

The General Law on Sustainable Forestry Development (LGDFS) is the federal law that regulates the management, use, conservation and restoration of forest resources in Mexico. It was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation in June 2018, replacing the previous forestry law of 2003.

Its aim is to promote the integrated and sustainable management of forest territories, encouraging the participation of communities, ejidos and private entities in the responsible management of the country's forests and jungles. Its purposes also include local economic development, the fight against deforestation and the promotion of environmental education. It is applied by SEMARNAT and, at the operational level, by the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR).

Scope and objectives

The LGDFS rests on several key pillars:

Conservation of biodiversity

It sets out mechanisms to ensure the protection of native flora and fauna, as well as the regeneration of degraded areas.

Responsible use

It establishes the conditions under which timber and non-timber resources may be extracted, encouraging certification of responsible origin.

Community participation

It recognises and strengthens the role of ejidos and Indigenous communities in managing their forests, seeking to balance economic benefit with environmental protection.

Research and technology

It promotes innovation in reforestation, water management and fire prevention, with the support of academic institutions and research centres.

Importance for Mexico

Given the country's forest wealth, which includes temperate forests, tropical jungles and scrubland, this law is a crucial instrument for economic and ecological wellbeing. Forests provide vital environmental services, such as regulating the water cycle, capturing carbon (acting as carbon sinks) and preventing soil erosion. The sustainable use of forest resources also contributes to rural job creation and the strengthening of local production chains.

Challenges and outlook

Despite its importance, the implementation of this law faces a range of obstacles:

Weaknesses in oversight

There is a shortage of resources and staff to adequately supervise compliance with forest management plans and combat illegal logging.

Certification processes

Access to international certification schemes can be costly and bureaucratic for small producers, although public incentives are increasingly emerging.

Demographic pressure

The expansion of the agricultural frontier and urban growth put forests at risk, increasing the need for ecological land-use planning.

The use of mapping and satellite monitoring technologies makes it easier to detect illegal logging and manage fires, and opens up opportunities for collaboration between academic institutions, civil society organisations and local governments.

A law to protect forests

The General Law on Sustainable Forestry Development is a cornerstone of forest protection in Mexico. Its effective implementation can balance the economic use of natural resources with the conservation of biodiversity and the quality of life of communities. The challenge lies in strengthening coordination between authorities, producers and civil society to achieve forest management that can meet present needs without compromising the natural heritage of future generations.

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