Showing papers on "Forest produce published in 2019"

People’s perceptions of elephant conservation and the human-elephant conflict in Aceh Jaya, Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract: Human-elephant conflict (HEC) poses a major threat to elephants in many parts of Asia, including Indonesia. This paper presents data from a case study on HEC in Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. The area consists of a mosaic of settlements, agriculture, and forested areas that are used both by elephants and humans. Questionnaire survey data were used to examine villagers “attitudes towards elephant conservation”, “forest protection”, and “wildlife authorities”. While 36% of the respondents expressed a positive attitude and accepted the need to protect elephants, a majority of the respondents (64%) indicated that they would not support conservation where crop damage by wildlife, particularly elephants, was threatening livelihoods. Nevertheless, 86% of respondents had a positive view of protected forests, either for personal benefits such as hunting and collection of non-timber forest produce or to act as wildlife refuges. Although the wildlife management authorities respond to crop raiding incidences by elephants, which had some positive influence on perceptions of people towards the authorities, overall the majority of respondents (83%) perceived the wildlife authorities negatively and claimed that they did not provide support when crop raiding took place. The main factors identified as reasons for the observed conservation attitudes were proximity to forest boundary, occupation, and education level. Further education and conservation awareness programs, and conflict mitigation should become a priority to gain local communities’ support for conservation and change people’s attitudes towards elephant conservation so they can share resources with elephants, where possible.

The Productivity and Utilization of Non Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) under Agroforestry Systems for Rural Livelihood and Economy in Western Ghats Region of Karnataka (India): The Productivity and Utilization of Non Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) under Agroforestry Systems for Rural Livelihood and Economy in Western Ghats Region of Karnataka (India)

Abstract: Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are the most sustainable source of revenue in lieu of the present scenario of restricted harvesting or no harvesting of trees, apart from Eco-tourism. Over 50% of the forest revenue and 70% of income from exports come from NTFPs and they provide 50% of income for 20-30% of the rural and tribal people in India. The forests of Uttara Kannada district are abundant with so many Non Timber Forest Products such as Sapindus laurifolia (Antawala / Soapnut), Vateria indica (Dhoop), Garcinia indica (Murugalu), Garcinia gummigatta (Uppage), Artocarpus lakoocha (Vate), Mangifera indica (Mango), Anacardium occidentale (Cashewnut), etc. These NTFP trees are naturally grown in the betta lands and not planted by land holders, whereas cashewnut and mango trees are planted by betta holders and the yield from these trees is used only for house hold purposes. The produces are disposed by open auction per Unit area of forest which is clearly described in the Tender Notification. The person who offers highest price usually have the right to collect or harvest NWFP of that area for a prescribed period which is ordinarily for two years on contract. The contractors engage their persons to collect/harvest the produces generally under the supervision of Forest officials. After collection the produces require transit permits for the transporting them to markets. The Forest Department has also encouraged the conservation of these forest produces by the forming Village Forest Committees (VFCs) as a part of Joint Forest Planning and Management (JFPM). Under mechanism of benefit sharing, each village forest committee member has his/her share in NWFP of that area, thus the plants, which produce NWFPs, are being protected. The total proceeds derived from the sale of forest produce shall be shared between the Government and the VFC. Non Timber Forest Produces are shared with 10% to Government and 90% to VFC. Out of the share of the VFC, a minimum of 50% shall go to the Village Forest Development Fund (VFDF) and the balance will be shared by the members of the VFC as dividends or will go to the Village Development Fund (VDF) as decided by the VFC. Many of the NWFPs, which can be grown in the lands of farmers and natural forests as well. These will generate income and employment to the people. Many areas which are covered under waste lands can be improved by planting these plants, thus biodiversity of the plants in the area can be conserved. Moreover, quality of the produce grown in farms expected to be uniform and better. This is the right time to initiate and conduct Agroforestry activities for NWFP, which have the potential of changing the landscape of the country to a great extent. Key Words: Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), Mechanism of benefit sharing, Village Forest Committees, Village Forest Development Fund (VFDF), Joint Forest Planning and Management (JFPM).

Reliance and livelihood significance of non-timber forest products available in Odisha: A review

Abstract: Odisha is a rich source of forest produce but the Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has been given a mere importance by the people and the government. Most of the tribes of rural areas basically depend on NTFPs for their livelihood and it acts as a backbone to them. Women from different tribes in Odisha are mostly involved in NTFPs collection and marketing, generating a huge income. Many major and minor NTFPs are collected in Odisha from various parts of forest trees such as sal seed, kendu leaves, lac, broom grass, bahada, harida, amla, karanj, etc. This paper outlines the availability of non timber forest produce in Odisha, their scope and importance for tribal people. It also include a brief idea and challenges which are faced by the rural people during the collection, processing and marketing of NTFPs and some strategy and policies to overcome the issues and challenges of overexploitation of forest produce.

Understanding Stakeholders’ Perspective on REDD+ Implementation as a Multi-Sectoral Approach

Abstract: Until the Paris Agreement on Climate Change accorded equal importance to adaptation and mitigation, the market instruments framed under the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) focused mainly on mitigation. However, realizing the importance of existing forests in storing and sequestering carbon, the UNFCCC introduced the concept of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD+) at Bali in 2007, promising to benefit multiple sectors linking climate change, biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, and water resource conservation. Due to its widespread acceptance among the forest rich countries, it became increasingly relevant to study the impacts of its implementation in developing countries. This work is a case study of a USAID-funded pilot project in the northern Indian hill state of Himachal Pradesh designed to draw lessons for forest conservation and generate data for future REDD+ projects. Focused group discussions with the local people to solicit their views on the promises and potential of the initiative bring out the loss of trust in such projects. They fear loss of livelihoods and homes as they are largely dependent on the ecosystem services provided by the forests, including non-timber forest produce (NTFP), medicinal plants, and honey. They expressed concern over the ruthless destruction of forests in the nearby regions and felt that the Government has been supporting destructive projects at the cost of their livelihoods. Feeling left out of monetary benefits resulting out of projects, they compared the REDD+ initiative with the ‘industry-oriented’ motives. In addition, the study also integrates expert views of scientists on implementing REDD+ as an effective adaptation mechanism. Effective governance, increased stakeholder participation and synergizing the program with watershed management initiatives can help yield full potential of REDD+.

Impact of commercial non-timber forest produce for livelihood security among the chenchu

Abstract: The present study attempts to delineate an extent, dependence and livelihood security of Commercial Non-Timber Forest Produce (CNTFPs) for the Chenchu, particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) of Andhra Pradesh and to suggest the strategies for their sustainable development and utilization. Qualitative data on CNTFPs for livelihood substance collected from total 120 households belonging Chenchu tribe including males, females and children purposively in four settlements of the two mandals i.e. Atmakur and Kottapalli, Kurnool district by informal interview and direct observation methods include Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) during July 2014 to May, 2015.