The Impact Assessment Study of Externally Assisted Forestry Projects (covering 90 villages, 30 each from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Odisha). The key activities of these projects include afforestation, biodiversity conservation, soil and moisture conservation, eco-tourism, alongwith Joint Forest Management’s (JFM) consolidation activities. These projects are helpful in afforestation by enhancing forest cover, restoring degraded forests, improving soil moisture, conserving biodiversity, empowering the forest dependents by promoting sustainable forest management through JFM approach, thereby improving the environment.
All State advised forest departments and eco development committees in managing their biodiversity risk and developing biodiversity positive value chains. The study suggested that CSR can be explored for additional funding for better accomplishment of objectives of Village Forest Committees.
This includes evaluation of the advanced GIS and MIS systems of Forest Departments that has been adopted to enhance monitoring and evaluation methods. We suggested them to strengthen the use of advance technology of Geomatics lab with GIS and MIS.
All State insisted on payments to be made through account payee cheque or NEFT/RTGS into the ADHAAR linked bank account of beneficiary (i.e. payment receiver) to ensure financial transparency and identification of the beneficiary.
Voluntourism may also be promoted – also known as “pro poor tourism” seek to improve the economic situations of the host communities by having visitors take part in their daily routines.
Highlighting that Information technology (IT) shall be the key to effective, efficient and regular training & capacity building. Smart classes should be introduced for quality trainings and financial literacy. Also, community members should be trained to use user friendly mobile applications (Apps) for record keeping.