Explain the impact of Dutch scientific forestry on the locals.
Answers
Scientific forestry is the science of managing forests and tree plantations. Natural forests with different types of trees were cut down and replaced with one type of tree planted in rows known as plantation. The forests were surveyed by officials according to areas under different types of trees and plans were made for forest management. A portion of the plantation area was cut down every year and replanted so that it was available to be used within a few years
Like the British in India, the Dutch in Java were driven to manage forests because they wanted to exploit colonial forest wood for ship-building and railways.
(i) Forest laws were enacted in Java restricting villagers access to forests.
(ii) Wood could only be cut for specified purposes like making river boats, or constructing houses from specific forests under close supervision.
(iii) Villagers were punished for grazing cattle in young stands, transporting wood without permit or travelling on forest roads with horse, carts and cattle.
In this method, instead of different types of trees, only one type of tree is planted. in straight rows.
Every year specific areas of the forest are cut and it is replanted. The trees are cut again after they grow.
Forests officials surveyed the forests and made working plans for forest management every year.
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