Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) and Forest Management

Background

The Chhattisgarh forest department recently attempted to centralize control over community forest resource rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, designating itself as the nodal agency. This move violated the rights of gram sabhas to manage their customary forests.

Issues with Centralized Control

• The forest department's insistence on a model plan from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) contradicted the FRA, which does not legally require such a plan.
• Prohibited other departments or NGOs from assisting gram sabhas in managing CFRR, undermining local authority.
• The letter was eventually retracted after local opposition from gram sabhas, elected representatives, and Adivasi rights groups.

Historical Context

• Traditionally, forests under government control have been managed through working plans focused on timber production, a legacy of colonial "scientific forestry."
• These plans often ignored ecological diversity and local community needs, leading to forest degradation.

Community Forest Resource Management

• The FRA proposes an alternative model where local communities play a pivotal role in forest management.
• Over 10,000 gram sabhas have received CFRR titles, but only a fraction have developed their management plans due to resistance from forest departments.
• Community plans focus on multiple livelihood needs rather than simply maximizing timber yield.

Challenges and Recommendations

• Forest departments often refuse to recognize or support gram sabha plans, aiming to maintain colonial control under the guise of "scientific management."
• MoTA's inconsistent policies further complicate CFRR implementation.
• Recommendations include rejecting NWPC compliance imposition and supporting a more inclusive, community-oriented forest management science.

Conclusion

The sustainable management of forests requires shifting from a timber-focused model to one that prioritizes community involvement and ecological diversity. This approach aligns with the FRA's vision and promises more adaptive responses to challenges like climate change.