Extensive experimental research has been devoted to the study of behaviour related to public goods, common-pool resources and other social dilemmas. In a majority of these studies, it is found that subjects tend to cooperate if they are allowed to communicate and make their own rules of use. In the context of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, a number of questions are being raised at public forums. Are communities capable of managing a valuable resource like a forest? Will transfer of authority not result in large-scale deforestation?

A number of forest communities have been living in forest fringe areas of the south-western part of the state of West Bengal, India for centuries. From this dry-deciduous Sal (Shorea robusta) forest area, forest villagers collect forest products for their daily household needs as well as they also sell a proportion of products at the local market. In socio-cultural life of these forest communities, the surrounding forest has a great impact. Minor forest products or non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are used for medicine, worship, decoration, jewellery, food, fodder, firewood etc.

Beneficial insects are one of the important economic components of forest ecosystem. Their exploitation had been historically linked with tribal economy especially in the Bastar Plateau and Northern Hills Sarguja Region, in which the whole of Chhattisgarh forms a part. Therefore, exploiting insects producing lac, silk and honey are important in terms reality and/or potentiality of their products. Besides, culturing of these insects is attractive in terms economic returns as well as suitable for the land and culture of people of region.

This paper attempts an exploration of synergistic opportunities for livelihoods and conservation connected with non-timber forest products in view of the increasing demand for these resources in the local, regional and international markets. It also discusses the evolution of the management of such products on a broader scale in terms of policies and institutional arrangements and the dilemmas, challenges and complexities associated with the resource along with potential strategies to overcome them.

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with extraordinary vegetation and floral assemblages, which can be attributed to the wide altitudinal range coupled with local variations in edaphic and climatic factors. Eight species belonging to 5 genera of bamboo are distributed in the state, occupying an area of 60 sq km. This paper presents a brief account of these bamboos together with a key to their identification in the field.

Modern healthcare system has negligible accessibility in the interior, remote and harsh areas of the northwestern Himalayas. People residing in these areas still depend upon traditional healthcare system.