Question

Discuss the salient features of joint forest management programme.

Answer 1

In India, Joint Forest Management (JFM) Programme is a good example of how local communities were involved in the management and restoration of degraded forests. The programme has been in existence since 1988 in the state of Orissa when the first resolution was passed for joint forest management. JFM depends on the formation of local institution that undertake protection activities mostly on degraded forest land managed by the forest department. In return, the members of these communities are entitled to intermediary benefits like non-timber forest products and share in the timber harvested by successful protection.