Abstract:
This study was conducted at Khartoum Sunt Forest with an objective of understanding challenges facing urban forest management and best means to address them. Data and information collected covered history of the forest management in addition to ongoing management activities administrative arrangement and prevailing uses including recreation related activities.
Tools used included a questionnaire to collect data and information from forest visitors. In additions to checklists to collected information related to Forest National Corporation units and staff in addition to key informants.
The study showed that the number of visitors was increasing, majority of them were student and other came for recreational purposes. They stated that the forest is a good place for recreation and it provides shades, and reduced air pollution.The results indicated that the gathering in the forest represent an opportunity for disseminating awareness messages and involving stakeholders in a research work that promote urban forest management.
According to the result, FNC may need to promote management plan to accommodate services for visitors, including shade trees at areas less covered by water, in addition to involving private sectors for services provision and other partners for joined studies and research work.
According to the main study findings that forest visitors come to the forest as for recreation site that should be conserved and properly management. The period when there was no functioning management plan (1987 - 2003) has led to negative impacts on the forest health and plans should be made and implemented without gaps. The forest has significant ecological environmental and social roles that should be maintained.
The study recommended on the necessity of making forest management plan that accommodate visitors interest including recreation facilities and services. In addition to involving private sector for service provision. It also recommended for taking measures to avoid contamination by sewage and illegal housing, In addition to trees cutting. Management plan will contribute to enriching experience and help for scaling up urban forest plantation. Also
the study recommended enhancing and establishing infrastructure to make the forest more comfortable and convenient location of recreation for Khartoum urban population. In addition to planting ever green shade trees in areas less covered by water.
