However, the nature of this work, particularly the use of environmentally benign technology (as opposed to waterfront riprap), and the implementation of best practices during construction, minimize or eliminate the risks of disturbing the fish habitat. [...] According to the Act, the purpose of the agencies, from a sustainable development perspective, is to guide and enhance the development of private forests in their region, especially through: 1. preparation and implementation of a private forest protection and development plan (PPMV); 2. financial and technical support for the protection and development of private forests. [...] The agricultural protection system instituted by the Act Respecting the Preservation of Agricultural Land and Agricultural Activities is designed to "secure a lasting territorial basis for the practice of agriculture, and to promote, in keeping with the concept of sustainable development, the preservation and development of agricultural activities and enterprises in the agricultural zones establis [...] The Act refers to the notions of designated agricultural area (list of municipalities listed in the Appendix to the Act) and of an agricultural area included within a local municipality. [...] The form specifies the surface area to be afforested, former type of agricultural use or crop, the number of years idle once cultivation was abandoned, interest of farmers in the area in question, and the reasons for the request to plant.

Agroforestry is an integrated system of rural land resource management based on combining shrubs and trees with crops and/or livestock, whose interactions generate economic, environmental and social benefits. Although agroforestry systems exist in a number of tropical and temperate countries, they are not very well known in Quebec. Agroforestry practices nonetheless offer many advantages such as crop and livestock protection, soil and stream conservation and protection, diversification of agricultural revenues through the production of timber and non-timber forest products, promotion of biodiversity, landscape enhancement and carbon sequestration. The aim of this report is to fill knowledge gaps related to the situation of agroforestry in the province. Without striving to be exhaustive, it provides a portrait of agroforestry practices and practitioners, outlines the basic characteristics of agroforestry and provides suggestions for promoting agroforestry development. The report is intended mainly for public, private and corporate decision makers with links to agroforestry.--Document.