18.02.25

Strengthening Forest Governance: Training on Community Forest Resource Management Committees in Bonda Ghati

On 16 February 2025, Gram Sabha (GS) leaders from multiple villages in Bonda Ghati gathered at Mudulipada village for a comprehensive training session. The session focused on forming Community Forest Resource Management Committees (CFRMCs). It was organised by the Upper Bonda Samaj to equip these leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to establish CFRMCs across all 29 villages. This initiative supports the broader goal of creating a unified CFRMC federation.

Key Developments:

To facilitate ongoing support and knowledge sharing, the participants agreed to create a WhatsApp group. This platform will enable real-time communication, allowing village leaders to exchange experiences, address challenges, and provide mutual assistance throughout the process.

The leaders set an ambitious timeline, aiming to complete the formation of CFRMCs in all villages soon. Following this, they plan to reconvene on April 12, 2025, to evaluate progress, address any remaining issues, and initiate the federation for the entire Bonda Ghati landscape.

This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward strengthening resource governance and sustainable management in Bonda Ghati. The training underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives and collective action in preserving their ecological and cultural heritage.

The federation will regulate and manage resources at the landscape level under their recognised Habitat Rights. These rights refer to the entitlement of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) to their customary habitat, as defined in the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006—commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA).