Title: MANUAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, ECOSANRAKSHAN SAMITY AND SELF HELP Department of Forest, Environment and Wild Life Management JFM MANUAL PART- JFM MANUAL PART-I MANUAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT -DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, SANRAKSHAN SAMITY AND SELF HELP GROUPS Government of Sikkim Department of Forest, Environment and Wild Life Management Forest Secretariat, Deorali, Gangtok - 737102 Sikkim JULY 2011 Pa
KeyWords: Functions of EDC, Ex- Forester, local health worker, Anganwadi worker, Panchayat
Published by: Forest and Environment Department Govt of Sikkim
Author Name: Forest and Environment Department Govt of Sikkim
Printed Year: 2011
Editor:
Language: English
Pages: 70
Details:
INTRODUCTION
DFEWM is implementing Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), Forest development Agency ( FDA) and other schemes (e.g. IWMP) with the objectives of promoting sustainable biodiversity conservation, restoring degraded forests and improving the income level of villagers by promoting sustainable forest management including Joint Forest Management (JFM) plantations and community development in the state. JFM and People’s participation are important aspects of on-going forestry projects and schemes to ensure protection and conservation of forests. Degradation of forests has resulted in a vicious cycle of poverty in which the lack of livelihood options encourages local people to harvest forest produce in an unsustainable manner, leading to further degradation of forests. JFMC/EDC/PSS will serve as the foundation of organizational pyramid under SBFP/FDA and other related schemes and projects.
Wherever such institutions are not existing, new JFMC, EDC and PSS will be formed as per needs of the village, and these village level institutions will function as per the procedures given in this manual. All schemes and projects are being implemented to do interventions in villages for providing opportunities for these communities to enhance their livelihood through ecotourism, and other income generation activities (IGA). It is expected that the Joint Forest Management components under the SBFP/FDA projects will lead to increased tree cover; enriched forests and alpine vegetation; sustainable management of forest resources; better-protection of flora and fauna from threats such as fire; indiscriminate exploitation, and overuse by tourists; improved village facilities; diversified livelihood options including the development of ecotourism; reduced state dependence; and improved income of forest fringe communities. The Manual for Establishment and Operationalisation of JFMCs/EDCs/PSS will serve as guide for village-based management of forests and biodiversity in reserved forests and protected areas and help mobilize the social and economic incentives of the forest fringe communities.