Role of Forest in human civilization

It is believed that man appeared on the scene sometimes in the early middle period of the geological Pleistocene age in the form of ape-man. At that time, they used to uproot small trees or tear off small branches by physical strength without any means of cutting. It is believed that Aryans migrated to India between 2000- 10000 B.C. approximately.

Characteristics of Community Forestry

The following are some characters of Community forests-

1. All forest users participate in certain, protection, management and utilization of forest resources; major decision taken with consensus of the users in assembly relaying on indigenous rather than outsider’s knowledge.

2. Basic requirements for the users are met from the forest and also benefits are shared among the users in an equitable way.

v Bio-physical characters- Generally, the following bio-physical characters are considered for handing over forest as community forest-

§ Location, size and tenure of the forest.

§ Type and composition of the forest.

§ Potentiality for meeting the needs of the users from the forests.

§ Technical requirements for the forests.

§ Condition of the forest.

v Socio-economic and political characters- Socio-economic and political characters are:

§ Profile of the community indicating ethnic composition, location of the villages and its name with village leaders.

§ Recognizes existing local arrangements for utilizing and managing community assets.

§ Make selection or election for executing the rules and regulations developed by the user’s assembly.

v Plantation- plantation characters are

§ Considered the location and site for community plantation.

§ Condition of the plantation site whether it regenerate itself or not.

§ Recognize technical requirements.

v Sustainability Factors-

Sustainability means leaving something to use for future generation. Future generation has also right to use on these resources. We need to understand that we are borrowing these resources for a short period of time. Therefore, we have to use it wisely so that part of is left for future use.

Sustainability= Production +Conservation.

Requisites for success of community

Community forestry is practiced in widely different settings in the region. An analysis of these situations suggests a number of conditions necessary for its successful implementation and a number of constraints. Forestry systems for rural communities will seldom succeed unless the people concerns are persuaded of their usefulness. It must be apparent to people that the benefits to be obtained are relevant to them and are sufficient to justify their participation (Rao, 1984).

The important requisites for the success of community forestry include-

a) Political commitment.

b) Assessment of rural needs.

c) Appropriate technical solutions.

d) A system of incentives.

e) Suitable rural institutions.

f) Supportive organization.

g) An extension network.

h) Research support.

Community Forestry is very important activity for the people of any country in the world. By these activities, people can improve their socio-economic condition. It can solve the unemployment problems within few years. So, we should try to establish community forestry in our country very quickly.