ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests possible directions for Indian forestry and discusses areas for further research. It also discusses the findings with reference to the village-based forest protection committees and the Forest Department. The chapter outlines the impressions of the two Joint Forest Management (JFM)-promoting institutions: panchayats, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO). Adjustment in the JFM framework that takes into account inherent elements in community forestry practices and better work environment for beat officials are recommended. Panchayats continue to hold an indispensable position in rural life and are seldom held responsible by the villagers for mismanagement of the forest. The development NGOs that remain involved with the villages on a sustained basis are likely to produce powerful forums that can also be used to bolster forest management initiatives. Research is needed to explore potentials for enhancing rural livelihood opportunities from forest resources and gauge how villagers utilize the ecological institutions and microplanning situations to push agendas according to their own priorities.
