Forests play a very important part in the rural economy. The rural population largely depends on forests for their livelihoods. Degradation and deforestation of forests have a negative impact on the rural people. They increase suffering and poverty. At the same time, they pose a serious, global environmental threat. It is necessary that the livelihood option of rural population is secured while forest resources augmented. This can be done through participatory management. Redefining Forestry for Effective Livelihoods brings out key issues relevant to forest and livelihood, with a special focus on non-timber forest produce. It gives a detailed analysis about how forests play an important role in maintaining earth’s ecosystem and, thus, the vital balance of flora and fauna. The book also discusses the contribution of forests to the national economy. It also focuses on emerging research issues arising out of various policies and their impact on the forest-dependent poor. The book provides the essential findings, arguments, linkage of forestry sector with other development scenario and the possible way out for the future. This comprehensive book is a useful reference for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners working in the area of forest and livelihood.

Community forestry focuses on the link between forest resources and livelihoods and contributes to forest conservation and reforestation. It is widespread in Nepal, with a very high proportion of the rural population involved, and is widely recognized as one of the most successful examples of community forestry in Asia. Through a combination of literature reviews and original research, this volume explores key experiences and outcomes of community forestry in Nepal over the last four decades as a model for improving forest management and supporting local livelihoods. The book takes a critical approach, recognizing successes, especially in forest conservation and restoration, along with mixed outcomes in terms of poverty reduction and benefits to forest users. It recognizes the way that community forestry has continued to evolve to meet new challenges, including the global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and conservation, as well as national demographic and social changes due to large-scale labour migration and the growing remittance economy. In addition to examining the changes and responses, the book explores ways that community forestry in Nepal might move forward. Lessons from Nepal have relevance to community forestry and community-based approaches to natural resource management around the world that are also experiencing global pressures and opportunities.

Distributed to some depository libraries in microfiche.

Redefining Diversity and Dynamics of Natural Resources Management in Southeast Asia, Volumes 1-4 brings together scientific research and policy issues across various topographical area in Asia to provide a comprehensive overview of the issues facing the region. The Reciprocal Relationship between Governance of Natural Resources and Socio-Ecological Systems Dynamics in West Sumatra Indonesia, Volume 4, covers a diverse range of issues related to natural resources and its management in West Sumatra Indonesia. The chapters cover issues with livelihood dependence, rights and access to natural resources, natural resources management practices, socio-ecological systems, and governance. Shared experiences and lessons learned from the case studies examined serve as a basis for policy makers and environmental practitioners to recognize the potential of West Sumatra's natural resources for ecological, social and economic development, food security, poverty alleviation, and natural resource sustainability. - Features contributions from mostly local authors - Explores an area experiencing considerable environmental challenges, including impacts on biodiversity and local economies - Includes chapters on forests and illegal logging, land resources, water resources, protected lands, and biodiversity - Examines case studies as a basis for policy makers and environmental practitioners to recognize the potential of West Sumatra's natural resources for ecological, social and economic development, food security, poverty alleviation, and natural resource sustainability