P R E F A C E
Kerala Forest Department introduced Participatory Forest Management (PFM) with World Bank Assistance in 1998. Under this programme, Vana Samrakshana Samithies (VSS) are responsible for forest protection and community development.In the Review Meeting of the SC/ST Department held on 3.6.2003, the Chief Minister requested the State Planning Board to conduct a Study on the performance of the Participatory Forest Management programme. Accordingly the Evaluation Division of the State Planning Board undertook this Study on VSS. The Study was undertaken by Sri. M. A. Shahjahan, Research Officer and Smt. R. Premakumari, Research Assistant under the overall supervision and guidance of Dr.S.Venkiteswaran, Chief (Evaluation Division). I am thankful to Sri. P. N. Unnikrishnan, Chief Conservator of Forests (Eco Development & Tribal Welfare) and his Staff for providing the data support and assistance in respect of the Study.
The study has been confined to three VSS in the Southern Circle of the Kerala Forest Department. The findings of the Study are that the functioning of VSS enabled eco-conservation, reduced forest fires and promoted livelihood activities. The success of VSS is related to effective community leadership and official commitment. Variations in the level of community participation in the activities of VSS were also noted. It is hoped that the findings of the Study will generate discussions on further improving the programme.
Thiruvananthapuram 31 - 08 - 2004