State Level Convention

A two-day Karnataka State Convention was held in SCM House, Bangalore on 14th and 15th Dec 2001 to review theJFPM policy in the state, its implementation so far, and to discuss a Policy Framework that would fulfill the objectives of a truly participatory, sustainable, equitable and economically-viable model of people’s participation in forest management. The convention titled "From Joint Forest Planning and Management to Participatory Forest Management", had representatives of Village Forest Committees (VFCs), the State Forest Department, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), environmental activists, state level networks of voluntary organisations working on developmental issues and media persons.

A campaign forum called the "Karnataka Jana Aranya Vedike" (Karnataka People's Forest Forum) was launched at the convention. The Forum decided to simultaneously launch a campaign at the village level, district level and the state level in Karnataka to mobilise support for the campaign and to obtain a commitment from the Government to implement the policy framework. It was further decided that a Summit would be held during the 2002 budget session of Karnataka state assembly, to press for the implementation of the policy and to obtain definite commitments on its implementation. To help in co-ordinating and operationalising these plans, a Working Group/Secretariat was constituted with a Steering Committee and four sub-committees.

Outcomes of the Convention

  • Bringing together representatives of Village Forest Committees (VFCs), State Forest Department, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), environmental activists, state level networks of voluntary organisations working on developmental issues and media persons on a common platform to discuss forestry issues.
  • Endorsement of the suggested Participatory Forest Management policy frame
  • Formation of the "Karnataka Jana Aranya Vedike" or Karnataka People's Forest Forum
  • Setting up of a Working Group, Secretariat, Steering Committee and sub-committees to co-ordinate and operationalise the campaign
  • Launch of a campaign at the village level, district level and the state level in Karnataka to mobilise support for the campaign and to obtain a commitment from the Government to implement the policy framework

People’s Forest forum

  • A state level forum to campaign for a truly participatory, sustainable, equitable and economically-viable model of people’s participation in forest management.
  • A state level forum to campaign for a truly participatory, sustainable, equitable and economically-viable model of people’s participation in forest management.
  • Functions with the involvement of a Convenor, Working Group, Steering Committee and Sub-committees.

Future Plans

  • Campaign at the village level, district level and the state level in Karnataka.
  • Mobilise support for the campaign at various levels.
  • Obtain a commitment from the Government to implement the Participatory Forest Management policy framework.
  • A summit during the 2002 budget session of Karnataka state assembly, to press for the above.

Naveen I. Thomas
November 2001