Chapter VI
Findings and Suggestions
Suggestions
1. Research in forest management techniques, to suit PFM objectives is essential. (for eg. The selection of plant species to suit the soil condition, sharing the know how of the dependent community etc.)2. Forest Department officials may maintain effective and cordial relationship with VSSs members. Change in attitude from policing to that of a people friendly approach is required on the part Department staff for effective and active participation in the programme.
3. At present the programmes of line Departments are not implemented through VSS. Hence there is a need for co-ordination and implementation of official programmes through VSS. Funds may be channelised from other departments through VSS for the activities in the VSS area.
4. Timely payments VSS for the completed works is essential to establish the credibility of Forest Department and gain the confidence of members of VSSs.5. Prize money/award for the best performing VSS may be considered.
6. The 73rd Amendment of the constitution vests panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) with subjects such as social forestry and minor forest produce which in turn necessitates the need for exploring linkages with executive initiated JFM practices. Hence strategies for linking micro plans of VSS with decentralized planning of the PRIs may be explored.
7. The VSS is eligible to get 10% of profits from their plantations and 100% of NTFPs from the micro plan area. It is a pre-condition of National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB) for Natural Afforestration Programme (NAP) for financial support to FDAs. The Girijan Co-operative Societies also claim that NTFP marketing is their monopoly. In this circumstances the matter may be subjected to detailed scrutiny.
8. Further initiatives through repeated training is suggested for creating greater awareness of the PFM concept among the people and benefit they accrue from their participation.
9. The VSSs should resist the entry of the outsiders in tribal settlements as happened in Kurumbanmoozhy. So that the true beneficiaries benefit from Government funds. The FD may extent their co-operation for this. Check post to prevent intrusion at the forest boundary
10. At present women's organizations are reluctant to create awareness and instil confidence among women in forest settlements. Such organizations may come forward to take up the venture so that the women can fight for the genuine rights.
11. VSS is encouraged to take up income generating activities. However, scientific skills may be imparted to them for running a nursery, grafting fruit trees or up grading the designs of finished products.
12. Frequent transfers of FD officials may be avoided since the inception of VSS till it attains momentum of its activities.
13. Efforts to promote women participation in meetings and seeking their opinions as in the case of Kurumbanmoozhy.
14. NTFP management is the primary concern of the PFM approach. The traditional knowledge of the forest dependent community may be tapped and scientifically used for bio-diversity conservation, re-generation, making of herbal medicines and other bi-products.
15. Government may take necessary steps to give permission to cut trees planted by the members in their settlement.
16. The Forest Department, Excise and others may extend their support to VSS to prevent illicit brewing and ganja cultivation in forest areas.
17. Forest Department may explore possibilities of raising funds to continue and sustain the programme as the KFC Poject was over by December 2003
Limitations of the Study
1. VSS in Kerala is in an infant stage. Hence it is too early to assess its achievements made in protection / conservation / regeneration activities.
2. In the absence of earlier accounts on the species structure, a precise assessment of the progress is not possible.
3. The quantifiable indicators available are inadequate for proper assessment of the extent of empowerment, accrued to the community.