Protecting forests and securing customary rights through Community Forest Governance

LOCATION: The contiguous districts of Ranchi, Khunti, Kharswan-Saraikela, West Singhbhum and Simdega in the State of Jharkhand, India

TIMELINE: 2 000 – present

Indigenous peoples play a crucial role in defending and protecting their forest land rights. The passing of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act of 2006 is a positive step towards the recognition of indigenous forest dwellers’ land rights and their role in forest protection. In line with the new legislation, IWGIA has developed a community-based self-governance system for the management and protection of forests, called ‘Community Forest Governance’.