Forestry is the second largest land-use in India after agriculture, and an estimated 275 million people in rural areas depend on forests for at least part of their livelihoods. This study focusing mainly on community-based forestry outside protected areas, indicates that forests offer vast potential for poverty reduction and rural economic growth in India while also supporting critical national conservation goals. It debates the continued evolution of joint forest management in India by presenting research conducted within India and relevant examples from other regions.

Forestry is the second largest land-use in India after agriculture, and an estimated 275 million people in rural areas depend on forests for at least part of their livelihoods. This study focusing mainly on community-based forestry outside protected areas, indicates that forests offer vast potential for poverty reduction and rural economic growth in India while also supporting critical national conservation goals. It debates the continued evolution of joint forest management in India by presenting research conducted within India and relevant examples from other regions.

The Indian Institute of Forest Management has taken up a ITTO sponsored project on operationalisation of sustainable forestry development with community participation (following the C&I approach) in eight forest divisions in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This document is a pioneer attempt to workout sustainability index based on indicators of forest management units of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states.

The forestry sector in India is being re-defined with a growing emphasis on poverty alleviation and livelihood opportunities, while at the same time ensuring sustainable management and use of forest resources. The current trend in forest management is towards greater people's participation and involvement of the multi-stakeholders dependent on the forests. This report analyses the various factors related to sustainable forest management.