Web-GIS platform created in Chhattisgarh to resolve conflict while filing CFR claims

Creators admit shortcomings in the platform but say they are not final authority on land rights and boundaries

One square meal: How this non-tribal forest-dweller family survives without FRA recognition in Odisha

Srikumar Khadi’s claim to his land in Odisha’s Sundergarh district is over a century old; but it still awaits recognition

Shelterless Kashmiri pastoralists denied benefits of Forest Rights Act

The migratory population is unable to repair their damaged huts as the government sits on claim forms   

Forest rights in Jharkhand: Too early to rejoice

Forest rights recognised in Jharkhand for the first time in 2 years, but do not give management rights

Inside ad hoc forests

Government failure, both at the Centre and the states, is hurting communities and forests alike

Global Eco Watch: Ice Age woolly rhino unearthed in Siberia

Down To Earth brings you the top happenings in the world of global ecology

Tribal ministry panels draft fresh guidelines for community forest, habitat rights

Gram Sabhas may get more power in managing community forest, habitat

How FRA helped India’s forest communities during COVID-19

Stories of hope have been reported from across the tribal areas of how communities survived due to FRA even as attempts have been made to dilute it

Project Lion could displace Maldharis within Gir to create ‘inviolate space’

The proposal seeks to relocate 2,500 families of the community from the Gir protected area within 10 years

Kerala’s Kadars continue fight for assertion of their community forest rights

Their Gram Sabhas have passed resolutions under the Forest Rights Act as work has progressed on the Anakkayam Small Hydro Power Project

Report flags violations in creation of India’s first critical wildlife habitats

CWH notification was first initiated in 54 of Maharashtra’s 55 protected areas, where rights of forest dwellers can be recognised under …

Empower communities to restore forests: Study

Crucial forest-restoration areas in low-income countries — home to 12 per cent of their total population — can have an impact on …

States reject 543,432 FRA claims in suo motu review

West Bengal has rejected around 92 per cent of all the reviewed claims

Chhattisgarh village under demolition for Hindalco mine, villagers claim foul play

At least 50 families have been relocated, claims official. A house was razed on June 2  

Chhattisgarh revokes: Forest dept no longer nodal agency for community rights

Chhattisgarh government reinstates the role of the forest department to coordinate claims that are to be filed by communities, …

How can India overcome policy and institutional gaps in forest management

We need to recognise the Gram Sabha as empowered by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment 

Forest Rights Act: From rights on paper to rights in practice

Local civil society organisations play a vital role in helping forest-dwelling communities assert and exercise their collective rights

Community forest resources: Sustainable use, state norms must

No guidelines for gram sabhas to conserve or manage forest areas so far

In a first, Odisha studies potential forest land under FRA

New estimate offers ‘baseline for planning and effective implementation of forest rights Act recognition’ 

Forest Rights Act: A litmus test for govt to protect forest dwellers

It is now the turn of the BJP-led central government, which won 38 out of 48 reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes across the country, to stand by …

Reforms in India’s forest sector stuck in reverse gear

The proposed amendment to the IFA reveals the mindset of policymakers regarding the forest sector has not changed

Rare takes on the year just passing by

Being a Down To Earth reporter entails merging the personal with the professional. The magazine you so dearly own has a fascinating world hidden …

'Village forests have been pitted against community rights'

The proposed amendment of IFA is an attempt to keep power in the hands of the forest bureaucracy by playing up village forests against community …

‘The IFA amendment is a zero draft; all stakeholders will be involved later’

Director General of Forests, Siddhanta Das tells DTE that the proposed amendment in the Indian Forest Act is a mostly techno-legal exercise and …

Why are Wayanad tribals, farmers wary of poll promises?

It seems that tribal leaders, farmers and environmentalists are not impressed with Rahul Gandhi contesting from their constituency