WII is involved in a two-year study in the Harda Forest Division in Madhya Pradesh in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and other partners. The project is increasing learning about differences in stakeholder perceptions over participatory forest management in Harda district, Madhya Pradesh, India; generating policy relevant findings that can be used to formulate inclusive policy for participatory forest management; and communicating these findings to key stakeholders and policy actors. WII is focussing on the perceptions of Mass Tribal Organizations (Sangathans) and NGOs.

The following are the key achievements of the project:

• A primary survey was carried out in approximately 24 villages.
• A Management Development Program on qualitative research methods for participatory forest management was held from February 21-23, 2005, in Bhopal. The program was based largely on the project’s field experience and not just the theory.
• Consultation and information dissemination workshops were organized at district, state and national levels. It involved Forest Department officials and non-government institutions, funders, researchers, activists as well as media representatives.
• The project findings were disseminated and validated in the villages through street plays, songs in local languages as well through posters and banners. The key findings were used to generate a storyline, which were worked from for the performances trough theater group performances. The dissemination was carried out in all the 24 study villages in Harda.
• A field guide and a book based on the project is currently underway.