Question

Role of Joint forest management in conserving biodiversity

Answer 1

JFM is a participatory process and two-way partnership between forest department and local inhabitant people inside or around the forest, helps to rehabilitate the degraded forests of the country and conserving the natural resources. The levels and degree of participation in this process is an important factor which are critical for the successful outcome of the process. Apart from livelihood support by forest, people also benefited in tangible and intangible way. Tangible benefits include timber for construction, fuelwood, pole; NTFPs like gum, Katha, catechu, Tendu patta etc but intangible benefits work as local ecosystem services i.e. amelioration of environment through closed and sustained nutrient cycling, watershed management and dwelling place of wild animals. Thus involvement of communities in conservation of forests and wildlife is of paramount interest. Thanks to JFM program for strengthening the two way partnership between people and state forest department which is working and based on managing these natural resources including forest treasure and maintain environment with biodiversity conservation.