National Dailies

THE FINDINGS of a University of Cambridge-led study in Harda district has laid emphasis on the fact that current challenges in forestry sector need to be addressed through open-minded dialogue. Such dialogue, the study feels, is a possibility only if different groups agree to listen to each other and to respect the validity and relevance of each other’s views.

These findings were presented at a workshop held at Hotel Residency today by the multi-disciplinary team conducting the study. The research partners of the study are Enviro-legal Defence Firm, Institute of Economic Growth, The Energy and Resources Institute and Winroack International India from Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Forest Management and Sanket Information and Research Agency of Bhopal.

The research focused on understanding views of different groups regarding forestry situation in Harda district. Harda has been celebrated as an example of effective participatory forest management but some groups have questioned its success.

The research was conducted over a period of 15 months in 2003/04 in the district and consulted a wide range of groups including local villagers, forest department officials, members of tribal organisations and NGOs, members of Panchayati Raj institutions among others to understand the current situation. The project ends in March 2005.

The workshop was conducted on Tuesday to share these findings and followed similar meetings in Harda district with forest officials in Bhopal and folk theatre performances in 24 sample villages in Harda. A play based on project findings was also staged as part of the workshop.

Commenting on these findings, several NGO representatives said that such a systematic collection and analysis of views is an essential first step towards meaningful dialogue on forest issues.