Analysing the problem-ridden process of implementing the Forest Rights Act 2006 in Odisha, this paper points out that it has focused more on providing land rights to individual claimants, neglecting community forest rights, the rights in protected areas, and other such provisions. Even so, the number of titles granted to tribal households is small compared to their total number in the state. Effective and comprehensive implementation of the FRA will have a significant impact on the livelihood of forest dwellers and the conservation of forests.

This article analyses the working of Joint Forest Management and Community Forest Management in Orissa with a view to understand the incentive and disincentive mechanisms available in these institutions and how these influence the protection of forests and the livelihood of forest dwellers.