10.04.24

Mayurbhanj Jungle Monch Partners with the Initiative on the Forest Economy to Strengthen Community Forest Resource Rights

Mayurbhanj Jungle Monch (MJM) is a public trust organisation working in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, covering a significant portion of Similipal National Park. Founded over 40 years ago as a small grassroots movement in the forests of Mayurbhanj, it has since evolved into an organisation of like-minded community members dedicated to conserving forest reserves. MJM is the latest community-led organisation to join the Initiative of the Forest Economy (IoFE).

Our small yet dedicated team based in Baripada, Mayurbhanj, is facilitating the implementation of a district-specific programme in collaboration with the Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha. Our partnership with MJM aims to understand Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) claims—guaranteed under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006—through ‘title’ holding and explore marketing opportunities for seasonal forest products (SFPs).

The Baripada team, in collaboration with MJM, recently led an interactive session, Bichar Charcha, as part of a community-level intervention aimed at enhancing CFRR in Mayurbhanj. They also sought volunteer support for our technology platform, nCount, along with other district-specific initiatives.