Involve more women in Jt Forest Management:Expert

New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) Director General (Forests) J C Kala today stressed the need for effective involvement of local communities, particularly women, in the protection and management of forests under Joint Forest Management (JFM).

Addressing the delegates in a National Workshop on JFM, he said the concept through initially approached and adopted with skepticism has taken roots throughout the country.

JFM is the principal management strategy for conservation and protection of natural resources.

Under JFM, one lakh committees have been set up. However, there are still a number of issues which need focused attention in order to fully utilise the potential of the committees.

Mr Kala said women can play a significant role in motivating their families in the conservation of forests.

The major issues highlighted included synergy with other related organisations, main streaming of committees in various developmental activities and building their capacity.

The Planning Commission stressed the need for consolidation of JFM in the 11th Plan. Representatives of the Ministry of Textile and Ministry of Rural Development highlighted the need for convergence and working together by effectively involving the Committees in various programmes of these Ministries.

The participants also felt the need for higher resource allocation to the programme during the 11th Plan period, particularly for capacity building and income generating activity.

The one-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Environment and Forests was attended by Mr G K Prasad Addl DG, (Forest), Principal Chief Conservators and Chief Conservator of Forests of different States and Union Territories, Officers from various Central Ministries like Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Textile, and National Medicinal Plan Board, Planning Commission etc.

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