Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

This study addresses the risk of forest degradation by examining the factors and management strategies for capacity building. Given the increasing challenges of forest degradation, it poses a significant threat to sustainable livelihoods in the Jhargram, Lodhasuli, and Manikpara areas of Junglemahal. Tropical dry deciduous forest, primarily comprising Sal and its associate species, covers the study area. The forest fringe areas of Jhargram are highly populated, and encroachment takes place to fulfil their daily needs to varying degrees on local forest resources. The study examines the necessary institutional capacities for implementing eco-conservation-based participatory forest management policies, as well as the evaluation and execution of these policies. The study pays particular attention to the role of organizational capacity in addressing forest management, along with various bio-conservational and socio-economic characteristics.