The Initiative on the Forest Economy (IoFE) has been actively engaged at both district and state levels in Himachal Pradesh, with a particular focus on the Pangi and Bhattiyat tehsils in Chamba district, and Lahaul and Spiti districts. We work closely with forest-dependent communities to support claim filing and rectifications related to the Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) guaranteed under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006—commonly referred to as the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
Our activities include cluster mapping; capacity building of key stakeholders, such as forest-dependent communities, administrative personnel, Community Forest Resource Management Committees (CFRMCs), and community enterprises; the development of Community Forest Resource Management Plans (CFRMPs); and community mobilisation.
In January 2024, we partnered with the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department to enhance the state's seasonal forest products (SFPs) through a detailed inventory project. This initiative catalogues the occurrence, distribution, and revenue potential of these products using advanced data collection techniques, including satellite and drone sensors, combined with machine learning algorithms for precise predictions.
Pangi
In the Pangi Valley of Chamba district, we facilitated the filing of CFRR claims, forest boundary mapping, the formation of CFRMCs, and the development of CFRMPs. Through these initiatives, patwaris, women, and Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) members received training in participatory forest inventory mapping.
Lahaul and Spiti
The Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the district administrations of Lahaul and Spiti. Under this collaboration, our project will facilitate capacity building for CFRMCs, support the filing of CFRR claims, and conduct forest boundary and inventory mapping using the nCount tool in the region.
We are fostering a sustainable forest economy in Himachal Pradesh by integrating technology, strengthening governance, and empowering communities.
We’re always open to partnerships, ideas, and conversations. Reach out to explore collaboration or to learn more about our work.
Our Work in Himachal Pradesh
Building Leadership Capacity: Pir Panjal Jungle Producer Company’s Comprehensive Training Programme in Kilar, HP
350 Women Shareholders Gather to Celebrate Jungle Producer Company’s Success
09.06.25
10.06.25
Pangi Valley’s First Women-Led Producer Company Completes Its First Hazelnut Sale
15.03.25
Building women-led supply chain of Indian Hazelnut from the forests of Himachal Pradesh
