Data Collection Survey on Forestry Sector in India

IC Net conducted a Data Collection Survey on Forestry Sector in India to review JICA’s assistance strategy for India’s forestry sector. The outputs of the Survey will help JICA adjust its strategy according to the development of the sector along with India’s recent robust economic growth. The Survey was conducted in close cooperation with the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) which facilitated the Survey team’s field visits in the areas under the jurisdictions of concerned state forest departments.

The objectives of the Survey are to: 1) collect and review information from the Government of India, research and training institutions, international donor organizations, and international NGOs, regarding the situation and challenges in the forestry sector in India; 2) review the result of the activities of the projects supported by the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans and propose an innovative approach for future project formulation; and 3) identify activities and potential target states for Japanese ODA loan supported projects or programs, and for technical assistance in consultation with MOEF.

The Survey team reviewed the sustainability of Joint Forest Management (JFM) activities to enhance the effectiveness of JFM schemes, find out implications of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 or the Forest Rights Act 2006 on JFM arrangements, and reviewed the challenges and needs in biodiversity management. At the same time, the team collected information on the recent trends of supply and demand, and market structure of the forest products under the rapidly growing Indian economy. The team also looked into the government’s priority programs and projects in the areas related to forestry and biodiversity, and possible contributions of Japan’s experience and expertise to identified assistance needs.