Five years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the world, thrusting humanity into a crisis marked by collapsing health systems, shattered livelihoods, and widespread food shortages. Yet, amidst this global upheaval, three forest-dwelling villages in the eastern part of Maharashtra— Dhamditola (Gondia district), Pachgaon (Chandrapur district), and Payvihir (Amravati district)— discovered a vital source of strength and resilience in the very forests that surrounded them.
For these communities, the forest was not merely a collection of trees but their very lifeline. “The forest has always been our protector,” an elder from one village shared. “It is where we find everything we need to survive.” Extensive fieldwork conducted in 2023 and 2024 uncovered how, during the pandemic, the forest became a crucial safety net. “It never failed us,” His wife added.
For generations, these village residents have coexisted harmoniously with the wilderness around them, forging a bond that was not only economic but deeply cultural and spiritual. When the pandemic disrupted supply chains, they relied on the forest to sustain their well-being. Its resources provided nourishment and health, easing their dependence on external systems. “We do not view the forest as outsiders do,” a young man explained. “To us, it is not just land; it is where we find peace. The forest is alive, and so are we. It gives us hope when everything else seems uncertain.”
The experiences of these forest-dwelling communities highlight the advantages of their way of life during the pandemic, especially in contrast to urban struggles. While cities faced supply chain disruptions and food shortages, these villages thrived on self-reliance. “In the city, people rely on money and markets for everything,” a villager noted. “But here, the forest provides for us directly. We do not carry the same fear of going without.”
Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices allowed them to harvest food, medicinal plants, and other resources without overexploiting the forest. “While urban dwellers were waiting in long lines for groceries, we were picking fresh fruits and vegetables,” said a young farmer.
The contrast extended to mental health as well. The forest also provided a psychological refuge. Its peaceful environment offered solace amidst the uncertainty of lockdowns, helping people regain a sense of stability and inner peace. “Whenever the fear of the virus became too much, we turned to the forest,” said an elder “Sitting under the shade of a tree or listening to the sounds of nature gave us the strength to face another day.” A young woman added, “Walking among the trees felt like stepping into a world untouched by the pandemic. It helped us hold on to the belief that life would return to normal.” For many, the forest became a sanctuary where they could process their emotions and find hope again. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I would walk into the forest. The fresh air, the birds chirping, and the rustling leaves made me feel alive again,” shared a young man, now studying in a nearby city, who was forced to return to the village during the pandemic. “Here, we breathe clean air and feel the earth beneath our feet. It is a freedom that cities cannot offer,” said a schoolteacher.
Beyond providing physical and psychological sustenance, the forest also offered spiritual support. Festivals and rituals connected to the forest deepened the community’s bond with nature and each other. These practices, though adapted to the circumstances of the pandemic, continued to nurture a sense of unity and reaffirm their spiritual connection to the land.
The experiences of these villages offer valuable insights. Forests are not only reservoirs of biodiversity but also critical allies in building resilience— both for the environment and for human communities. “Forests are our partners,” said an elder. “They support us when times are tough and remind us of the importance of living in harmony with nature.”
Their experience highlights the need to protect forests, not just for their environmental value, but for the critical role they play in human survival. As a village youth put it, “If we lose the forest, we lose ourselves. It is as simple as that.”
The resilience of these communities is deeply rooted in the ecosystem services provided by their forests. The forest acts as a natural buffer against crises, offering clean air, water, and an abundance of resources. “The biodiversity of the forest is like a safety net,” explained a forest management committee member. “It gives us options when one resource is scarce.”
From a scientific viewpoint, access to forest resources played a key role in ensuring food security by broadening dietary options, while traditional knowledge of medicinal plants reduced dependence on external healthcare systems (Oleson et al., 2022). “Our immunity improved because we consumed fresh, natural products,” shared a local non-profit representative working with one of the villages. “The natural environment, far removed from the artificial stresses of modern life, provided a sense of peace and resilience, strengthening both body and mind.” Community resilience was also bolstered by the sustainable use of resources. Studies have shown that forests managed under community rights often have higher biodiversity and better health compared to those managed externally (Odera, 2004; Terborgh and Peres, 2017). A young farmer reported, “We see this balance first-hand; healthy forests mean healthy people.”
The villagers relied on their knowledge of medicinal plants to treat common illnesses, especially when access to healthcare was limited. “During the pandemic, we used remedies like the smoke of dried Adhatoda vasica leaves (locally, Adulsha), fruits of Syzigium cumini and Terminalia bellirica (locally, Jamun and Beheda respectively), and the roots and leaves of Tinospora cordifolia (locally, Gulvel) to boost immunity,” explained an elder man who is also a local Ayurvedic doctor. “These practices helped us stay strong and protected.” A young woman added, “The elders taught us which leaves and roots to boil for fevers and coughs. Thanks to the forest, we became our own doctors.”
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (commonly known as FRA 2006) empowered these communities to manage the forest sustainably. By exercising these rights, they ensured the forest remained healthy and abundant, even during the pandemic. “The forest is ours, and we care for it as it cares for us,” said a former forest management committee member. “Our rights gave us the strength to keep the forest healthy, and in return, it kept us safe during the pandemic.”
Villagers shared how their collective decision-making, enabled through Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights under the forest rights framework, allowed them to harvest resources sustainably. “We decided together which trees to cut and which areas to leave untouched,” explained an existing committee member. “This way, we protected the forest’s future while meeting our needs.” Another villager emphasised how these rights fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility: “We do not exploit the forest. We use it wisely because it is our home.” CFR rights also allowed the community to address disputes and ensure equitable distribution of resources. “There is a system in place now,” said a village leader. “If someone takes too much, they are reminded that the forest belongs to all of us.” This collective governance proved vital during the pandemic, as it fostered cooperation and sustainability.
The story of these villages highlights a simple truth: nurturing nature nurtures resilience. Their relationship with the forest allowed them to thrive during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. As we face an uncertain future, their example shows us that living in harmony with nature is not just an ideal— it is a necessity for survival. To build a resilient future, governments and organizations must prioritise community-led conservation efforts. “Support us in protecting the forest,” urged a villager. “Do not take it away in the name of development. We know how to care for it, and it cares for us.”
Anirban Roy is a doctoral student at the Academy of Conservation Sciences and Sustainability Studies, ATREE Bengaluru
The author extends sincere gratitude to the local NGOs for their facilitation—VNCS Nagpur (for Dhamditola), Paryavaran Mitra (for Pachgaon), and Khoj Melghat (for Payvihir). The author also extends heartfelt thanks to the villagers of these communities for their kind cooperation in sharing their perspectives and experiences.
Views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth