Training for CFR Management Plan Preparation, Chilpi, Bodla, Kabirdham District, CG. 

We conducted a two-day Training Workshop on 18-20th May 2023 at Chilpi, Bodla (District Kabirdham, Chhattisgarh) in collaboration with the Samerth Charitable Trust on CFR management planning. A total of 24 participants 24 attendees from four districts, namely Mahasamund, Surajpur, Mungleli, and Kabirdham attended the workshop. 

Anubhav Shori led this session, offering insights into the main provisions of the FRA 2006, emphasizing the distinctions between Community Forest Rights (CFR) and Conservation Rights (CR) and their significance within the FRA. Attendees then had the opportunity to watch videos showcasing exemplary cases of successful Community Forest Resource (CFR) management.

Building on the insights gained from the videos and the exposure visit of Samerth Charitable Trust, Dr. Sharad Lele explained the key elements of successful CFRR management. These elements encompass biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, livelihood enhancement, equity and justice, and democratic processes.

Dr. Shruti Mokashi provided an explanation of the key distinctions between CFR management, CFR management plans, and the planning process. She introduced and elucidated the structure and components of the management plan. This was followed by presentation about how  various villages in Maharashtra had adopted different strategies for CFR management based on the condition of the forest resources.

At the end of the day, in the final session, the teams presented the outcomes of their group discussions. During the presentations, they briefly outlined the social profile of the village, the recognized CFR area, the primary forest needs, the threats to the forest area, challenges in its management, and potential solutions to these issues.

Field Visit to Makkekonha:

A field visit was organized to the village of Makkekonha, located in the Bodla Block, which displayed significant potential for the preparation of a Community Forest Resource Management Plan (CFRMP). This village had been the focal point of discussions. Participants were grouped into teams, and each team had the opportunity to explore a specific section of the CFR area. They were accompanied by local elders, young individuals, or women from the village. These forest walks sparked discussions on various topics, including the community’s reliance on the forest and the challenges confronting the CFR area, such as encroachments for agricultural purposes