Cluster-Level Orientation on
Community Forest Rights Management & Interaction with Community Forest Resource Management
Committee (CFRMC) members for Strengthening Community Leadership in
Forest Governance
Shakti Organisation, Rayagada–Odisha, with the support
of the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), successfully organised
a one-day Cluster-Level Orientation on Community Forest Rights (CFR)
management. The programme brought together Community Forest Resource Management
Committee (CFRMC) members from Ramanaguda, Gunupur, and Padampur blocks,
offering a shared platform to learn, discuss, and strengthen their role in
sustainable forest governance.
This orientation is part of the
ongoing CFR & Commons Management
Project, a long-term effort that has already trained 2,220 CFRMC members across multiple
blocks. The project aims to empower communities with knowledge, tools, and
collective strength to manage forest and non-forest commons effectively.
Forests are central to tribal livelihoods in Rayagada, and this initiative
helps villagers become informed custodians of these critical resources.
Purpose of the Orientation
The one-day session was designed
to address gaps in understanding and to equip CFRMC members with practical
skills. Many villages have received CFR titles, but challenges often arise in
organising committees, preparing management plans, and ensuring sustainable
use. This orientation responded directly to those needs by emphasizing clarity,
practice, and collective decision-making.
Step-by-Step Learning Process
The orientation followed a
structured, simple three-step process so participants could easily understand
and apply the concepts in their daily forest management activities.
Step 1: Understanding CFR Provisions
The session began with an
explanation of Community Forest Rights as provided under the Forest Rights Act
(FRA). Facilitators discussed:
·
the meaning of CFR titles,
·
the rights communities hold over forest
resources,
·
the responsibilities involved in sustainable
harvesting, and
·
the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Participants learned how CFR
empowers communities to manage, conserve, and use forest resources according to
traditional practices. Discussions also included the challenges caused by
forest degradation and how empowered, legally informed communities can help
reverse this trend.
Step 2: Roles and
Responsibilities of CFRMCs
The next part of the session
focused on the functioning of Community Forest Resource Management Committees.
Trainers explained how CFRMCs are formed, how records and resolutions should be
maintained, and how committees can prepare village-level forest management and
conservation plans.
Practical
examples were shared from other villages, helping participants understand:
·
how to monitor forest use,
·
how to prevent illegal felling or excessive
extraction,
·
how to organise regular committee meetings, and
·
how to ensure transparency and accountability in
decision-making.
This step helped participants
recognise that good governance at the village level can significantly
strengthen long-term forest health.
Step 3: Strengthening
Collective Action
The final step highlighted the
power of collective action. Participants discussed working together across
villages, forming cluster-level networks, sharing experiences, and supporting
each other in managing forest and non-forest commons. Team-based approaches
ensure fair benefit-sharing, reduce conflicts, and build stronger resilience to
climate and livelihood challenges.
The session emphasised that
sustainable forest management is not the responsibility of one committee
alone—it requires cooperation from every household and coordination between
neighbouring villages.
Outcome of the Orientation
The active participation and
thoughtful discussions throughout the day reflected growing confidence and
leadership among community members. Many participants expressed renewed
motivation to protect their forests, develop village-level plans, and involve
youth and women in CFRMC activities.
By strengthening local knowledge and collective action, the orientation marks another important step in ensuring long-term ecological sustainability and improved livelihoods. Shakti Organisation and FES remain committed to supporting communities as they work to protect their forests and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
