Question

The concept of Joint Forest Management $(JFM)$ involves

• A. conservation of forest and agricultural land by the government
• B. conservation of forests and wildlife by the local communities
• C. work in close association with the local communities for protecting and managing forests
• D. exploitation of beneficial forest products only

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

work in close association with the local communities for protecting and managing forests

Answer 2

Realising the significance of participation by local communities, the Government of India in $1980s$ has introduced the concept of Joint Forest Management $(JFM)$ so as to work closely with the local communities for protecting and managing forests. In return for their services to the forest, the communities get benefit of various forest products (minor forest products), and thus the forest can be conserved in a sustainable manner. Presently, there are $84632\, JFM$ committees with $17.33$ million hectare forest area under them. Some $85.28$ lakh families are involved in them all over the country.