Bioresources, the energy and raw materials derived from plants and animals, could help end poverty.

Does rural fuelwood use and more generally rural biomass use cause forest degradation? This question has been debated in scientific and policy circles. The author presents a framework for defining degradation and sustainable use of forests that might help clarify some of the confusion.

After initial success in deriving energy from water, sun, wind and biomass, India is poised for a great leap in making these the energy sources of the future.

MNES anticipates that its financing in the last two years of the Eighth Plan will be augmented by about Rs 1,300 crore, with the additional funding coming mainly as external assistance from the World Bank and GEF.