Organisations involved
Implementer
Referring partner
Our mission
As 'ecological security' is the foundation of sustainable and equitable development, the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is committed to strengthening, reviving, or restoring, where necessary, the process of ecological succession and the conservation of land, forest and water resources in India.
Set up in 2001, the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) believes in and works towards gender-inclusive, community-led governance of Commons, by catalysing informed and collaborative action among different stakeholders. The survival, sustenance, and growth of 350 million rural poor in India is directly linked to the health and productivity of Commons. FES assists rural communities to secure tenurial rights over Commons, work collectively for their responsive and inclusive resource management and governance, and unlock public investments for restoration and protection of Commons, with the aim of strengthening the livelihoods and well-being of people, whose lives are closely intertwined with their Commons.
Classification
- Forests
- Increases Health & Wellbeing
- Mitigates Climate Change
- Safeguards Biodiversity
- Supports Livelihoods
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Employees0
VolunteersImpact
The provision of Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 supports community ownership and governance of natural resources. Mobilizing communities to file CFR claims involved extensive capacity building and continuous support at the village, sub-divisional, and district levels. CFRs not only promote sustainable forest practices but also ensure that conservation efforts are both effective and equitable.
This initiative, carried out in partnership with 884 villages in Dhenkanal District, Odisha, has seen notable progress. So far, 117 villages have received CFR titles, CFR claims from 83 villages have been approved by the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC), and 504 villages are in the final stages of the claim process. With communities gaining legal rights over forest land, there has been a visible shift towards sustainable harvesting, forest regeneration, and biodiversity conservation.
A key component of the initiative was the establishment and strengthening of Community Forest Rights Management Committees (CFRMCs) to lead post-CFR planning and implementation. These committees were trained and empowered to develop and carry out sustainable forest management strategies. As a result, 92 out of the 117 CFR-recognized villages have successfully initiated post-CFR management, with CFRMCs playing a central role.
By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation approaches, CFRMCs have enabled participatory conservation planning, improved community-led forest monitoring and enforcement, and ensured equitable distribution of forest resources. Their leadership has also enhanced community ownership, resilience to environmental challenges, and the long-term sustainability of forest governance systems.
However, challenges remain in capacity enhancement, financial support, and coordination with government agencies. Addressing these gaps is essential for scaling CFRMC-led governance and ensuring lasting community benefits.
