Joint Forest Management - Decentralization and Devolution : a Case Study from Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu

Joint Forest Management (JFM) is an organic process targeting the regeneration of degraded forests by involving the local community and operates on the interaction between the Forest Department and the local community. Successful formation and functioning of Village Forest Councils (VFCs) is the key factor that decides the success of the entire programme. Involvement of women and the marginalized in the programme will serve the purpose of benefiting the poor and the landless forest dependents. Responsibility of protection combined with the right over the forest produce will help achieve the target of the programme.