PRIA@40

Linkages, Conflicts and Dynamics: Institutional Spaces and Participation in Local Forest Management in Uttaranchal

Objectives

To understand the linkages, conflicts and dynamics between the traditional, developmental and statutory institutions to explore participation of people in their local forest management.

The study focused on the developmental institution specifically created by the state for the management of local forests and explores its interaction with the traditional institution.

Geographical spread

Conducted in 6 villages in Nainital Division, Uttaranchal state, namely, Deeni, Saldi, Jungaliya Gaon, Soan Gaon, Bannan, Parwada.

Key areas/components

The methodology followed included:

Secondary literature review
Informal discussions
Semi-structured interviews with villagers, forest officials. Also interviews with women separately
Village meetings

Key outputs

The study generated key findings regarding the following themes:

Changing perspectives on forest management and institutional changes
Rights and beyond rights: Changing nature of institutional spaces
Institutions, power and spaces
Dynamics of participation within VFCs (Village Forest Protection Committees)
Local contexts and nature of participatory spaces

Year/period

March 2004

Client