Successful Completion of Training Workshop on Community Forest Resource Management in Sarguja Division

ATREE successfully organized a two-day training workshop on Community Forest Resource (CFR) Management Planning on May 29–30, 2026, in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. The workshop brought together 55 community leaders, Forest Rights Committee (FRC) members, and Gram Sabha representatives from the districts of Sarguja, Surajpur, Koriya, Balrampur, and Jashpur. Anubhav Shori District Coordinator Bastar and Manish Singh District Coordinator Baiga Chak facilitated the workshop. 

The primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen participants’ understanding of the current status of Community Forest Resource rights in the Sarguja Division and to enhance their capacity to facilitate both CFR claim processes and post-recognition governance. Discussions focused on the nature and extent of rights received through CFR claims, common gaps in claim preparation, and the role of Forest Rights Committees in ensuring that claims are prepared accurately and comprehensively with the active involvement of Gram Sabhas.

Participants were introduced to the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, with special emphasis on Community Forest Resource Management (CFRM). Key sessions covered the roles and responsibilities of Gram Sabhas under Section 5 of the Act, the formation and functioning of Community Forest Resource Management Committees (CFRMCs), and the responsibilities entrusted to these committees for the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of community forest resources.

The workshop also provided practical guidance on the preparation of effective Community Forest Resource Management Plans. Participants explored various components of CFRM planning, including resource assessment, community participation, institutional arrangements, and long-term management strategies.

In addition, dedicated sessions focused on financial management and governance practices. Participants were oriented on maintaining financial transparency, managing Gram Sabha funds, operating bank accounts, and strengthening accountability mechanisms within community institutions.

On the second day, participants were introduced to the Amcho CFR App and the ATREE CFR WebGIS Platform. These sessions helped community leaders understand the geographical dimensions of CFR governance, including village boundaries, spatial data interpretation, and the use of digital tools for boundary mapping and planning.

The workshop concluded with participants preparing district-wise action plans for the coming months. Community leaders collectively identified key priorities and strategies to strengthen the facilitation of Community Forest Resource Management activities across the Sarguja Division, with a focus on improving governance, enhancing community participation, and advancing the effective implementation of CFR rights.