The natural plant resources are the bases of life support system of human and other animals as they are primary producers in the food chain. Due to increased human and cattle populations and infrastructure development, the natural resources have greatly been depleted and now causing threats to the existence of human life. During the ancient eras (Indus Valley Civilization and Vedic period) when humans started settling near rivers and cleared forests for agriculture and habitations, the fauna and flora were plundered by them. Now the importance of their protection is realized to combat the threat of climate change which is adversely affecting all of us. In 1970, the dense Sal forests of south Bengal were repeatedly damaged. The then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) realized that forest cannot be protected only through forest field staff and by uses of forces. Forests can be protected with the help of tribal people and other local forest dwellers who are residing in and around forests since ages. The DFO held a series of meetings with villagers and tribals of Arabari forest area (Medinipore, West Bengal) and convinced them to perform duties with forest staff and also not to cut, damage and burn forests and kill animals. In turn, the DFO offered free collections of grasses, fallen leaves and twigs, other non-timber forest produced and allowed them to work in nursery, plantations and various construction works by replacing the contractors. Villagers gradually developed faith in forest administration and stopped illicit felling, encroachments, staff assaults and poaching etc. This approach has developed a sort of symbiotic relationships with forest field staff and villagers. Later, Government of West Bengal recognized this successful approach and termed it as Joint Forest Management (JFM). Government gradually announced various benefits for the tribals, namely usufructs rights and sharing of benefits accrued from Non-timber forest products (NTFP) and timber sales. JFM committees were formed involving men and woman. The concept of JFM was accepted in all States and Union Territories of India and also in abroad. The Government of West Bengal and other States and Government of India have issued many notifications and guidelines to make Joint Forest Management legally stronger. Due to JFM, community has realized the importance of forests and sustainable uses of forests which resulted in reduction in forest and wildlife crimes. It is a successful approach to protect and conserve the natural resources.

Community Participation with Special Reference to Joint Forest Management

章节
发表日期：

2025年

查看全文

M. R. Baloch

摘要

The natural plant resources are the bases of life support system of human and other animals as they are primary producers in the food chain. Due to increased human and cattle populations and infrastructure development, the natural resources have greatly been depleted and now causing threats to the existence of human life. During the ancient eras (Indus Valley Civilization and Vedic period) when humans started settling near rivers and cleared forests for agriculture and habitations, the fauna and flora were plundered by them. Now the importance of their protection is realized to combat the threat of climate change which is adversely affecting all of us. In 1970, the dense Sal forests of south Bengal were repeatedly damaged. The then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) realized that forest cannot be protected only through forest field staff and by uses of forces. Forests can be protected with the help of tribal people and other local forest dwellers who are residing in and around forests since ages. The DFO held a series of meetings with villagers and tribals of Arabari forest area (Medinipore, West Bengal) and convinced them to perform duties with forest staff and also not to cut, damage and burn forests and kill animals. In turn, the DFO offered free collections of grasses, fallen leaves and twigs, other non-timber forest produced and allowed them to work in nursery, plantations and various construction works by replacing the contractors. Villagers gradually developed faith in forest administration and stopped illicit felling, encroachments, staff assaults and poaching etc. This approach has developed a sort of symbiotic relationships with forest field staff and villagers. Later, Government of West Bengal recognized this successful approach and termed it as Joint Forest Management (JFM). Government gradually announced various benefits for the tribals, namely usufructs rights and sharing of benefits accrued from Non-timber forest products (NTFP) and timber sales. JFM committees were formed involving men and woman. The concept of JFM was accepted in all States and Union Territories of India and also in abroad. The Government of West Bengal and other States and Government of India have issued many notifications and guidelines to make Joint Forest Management legally stronger. Due to JFM, community has realized the importance of forests and sustainable uses of forests which resulted in reduction in forest and wildlife crimes. It is a successful approach to protect and conserve the natural resources.