Sustainable forest management (SFM) has become a prominent goal of current forest management approaches within the Unites [sic] States. A growing body of literature offers support for incorporating traditional and local knowledge (TEK) with current SFM methods in an effort to improve management planning and policies. By seeking Native American perspectives and incorporating traditional knowledge into current forest management methods, U.S. forest managers have the potential to increase their understanding of relationships between human, non-human, and the physical environment, thereby increasing their ability to manage our nation’s forests more effectively for all stakeholders involved. Using the qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews and focus groups conducted with two Native American communities, this study examines the absent perspectives of Native American voices in the dialogue on sustainable forest management. This study argues that bringing in Native American viewpoints into sustainable forest management will add key missing perspectives to the national and global discussion. Results suggest that the abilities to maintain and manage natural resources are central to the survival of Native American communities, their spiritual beliefs, and their cultural practices, and that the human element in ecosystem functions is an essential factor in sustainable forest management from a Native American perspective.

Papers presented at Seminar on "Forest Policy and Tribal Development"; with reference to Orissa, India.

This book brings together multidisciplinarity, desirability and possibility of consilience of borderline studies which are topically diverse and methodologically innovative. It includes contemporary tribal issues within anthropology and other disciplines. In addition, the chapters underline the analytical sophistication, theoretical soundness and empirical grounding in the area of emerging core perspectives in tribal studies. The volume alludes to the emergence of tribal studies as an independent academic discipline of its own rights. It offers the opportunity to consider the entire intellectual enterprise of understanding disciplinary and interdisciplinary dualism, to move beyond interdisciplinarity of the science-humanities divide and to conceptualise a core of theoretical perspectives in tribal studies. The book proves an indispensable reference point for those interested in studying tribes in general and who are engaged in the process of developing tribal studies as a discipline in particular.

Forest is a living complex, so is the mankind. Contribution of forest to mankind is innumerable. Forest based products alone, apart from Timber, forms the major source of livelihood. It is the second best contributor to the livelihood kitty of tribal and non-tribal living in and around the forest. The management, conservation and sustainable use of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) had drawn attentions of administrative machineries of state and central government since 1948. There are many players involved in the entire process and many laws formed and amended from time-to-time. PRIs in India are empowered for management of NTFPs under the PESA Act. This document is thoroughly reflecting the role of Private Market, and Government Policies for NTFP management and disposal. The socio-economic and geographic condition of tribal and its influence on sale of NTFPs to earn livelihood is thoroughly presented. Finally, some critical suggestions have been given to help enable policy makers, planners, social organisations/institutions, corporate houses and people working on issues of forest and NFTP sustenance.

This book provides a comprehensive, global synthesis of current knowledge on the potential and challenges associated with the multiple roles, use, management and marketing of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). There has been considerable research and policy effort surrounding NTFPs over the last two and half decades. The book explores the evolution of sentiments regarding the potential of NTFPs in promoting options for sustainable multi-purpose forest management, income generation and poverty alleviation. Based on a critical analysis of the debates and discourses it employs a systematic approach to present a balanced and realistic perspective on the benefits and challenges associated with NTFP use and management within local livelihoods and landscapes, supported with case examples from both the southern and northern hemispheres. This book covers the social, economic and ecological dimensions of NTFPs and closes with an examination of future prospects and research directions.

This book uses empirical data to articulate the issues of the Indian tribal economy in general and the role of minor forest produce in the tribal economy in particular. It throws new light on hitherto under-researched areas, especially those related to the significance of minor forest produce. This book is primarily based on the functioning of the tribal economy and draws on the experience gained by the author during his sojourn as a research scholar working the debt of tribal farmers and the technological gap in tribal agriculture. Empirical evidence is given in the present book to explore the validity of the earlier hypotheses in respect of the contribution of minor forest produce to the total income of the tribal households. Furthermore, a statistical analysis is undertaken to ascertain the relative contribution of each forest product to the augmentation of tribal earnings. The empirical work in this book also corroborates the theories of dependency between the forest and the tribals.

This book explores the best practices of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) in Kerala, India. PFM empowers local communities, including tribal and indigenous groups, to actively participate in managing and protecting their forests. The book offers a clear explanation of PFM and its benefits, the role of the Forest Department then dives into impactful case studies showcasing specific projects that have improved the lives of the forest-dependent communities, especially indigenous tribal communities, increased forest cover, and fostered collaboration in Kerala. It delves into broader topics like ecotourism, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and tribal empowerment while acknowledging the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book is ideal for anyone interested in sustainable forestry, indigenous communities, community development, and real-world conservation solutions. It serves as a springboard for further exploration, offering a glimpse into how PFM empowers communities and ensures a brighter future for both forests and people.

With tens of millions of hectares and hundreds of millions of lives in the balance, the debate over who should control South Asias forests is of tremendous political significance. This book provides an insightful and thorough assessment of important forest management transitions currently underway. MARK POFFENBERGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY FORESTRY INTERNATIONAL The contributions in this volume not only breathe life into the fi eld of writing and analysis related to forests, they do so on the strength of extraordinarily insightful research. Kudos to Springate-Baginski and Blaikie for providing us with a set of thoroughly researched, provocative studies that should be required reading not only for those interested in community forestry in south Asia, but in resource governance anywhere. ARUN AGRAWAL, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, USA Makes a significant contribution to theory and practice of participatory forest management. YAM MALLA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REGIONAL COMMUNITY FORESTRY TRAINING CENTER FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, BANGKOK This excellent and timely book provides thought-provoking insights to the issues of power and politics in forestry and the difficulties of transforming age-old structures that circumscribe the access of the poor to forests and their resources; it challenges our assumptions of the benefits of participatory forest management and the role of forestry in poverty reduction. It should be of interest to policy-makers and to all those who have been involved with the struggle of transforming forestry over the decades. DR MARY HOBLEY, HOBLEY SHIELDS ASSOCIATES (NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING CONSULTANCY) A rare combination of extensive field study, social science insights and policy studies will be of immense value DR N. C. SAXENA, MEMBER OF NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA In recent decades participatory approaches to forest management have been introduced around the world. This book assesses their implementation in the highly politicized environments of India and Nepal. The authors critically examine the policy, implementation processes and causal factors affecting livelihood impacts. Considering narratives and field practice, with data from over 60 study villages and over 1000 household interviews, the book demonstrates why particular field outcomes have occurred and why policy reform often proves so difficult. Research findings on which the book is based are already influencing policy in India and Nepal, and the research and analysis have great relevance to forestry management in a wide range of countries. Published with DFID.