AID Environmental Cell report: An introduction to Forests and Forest Societies in India

AID Environmental Cell volunteers prepared a document collating our collective knowledge about Forests and Forest Societies in India from a grassroots perspective. Please find the details here:

An Introduction to Forests and Indian Forest Societies

This document introduces the forest as an ecosystem and its importance to different species including humans. It describes the relation between forests and humans over history, benefits derived from them and how they are affected by actions such as deforestation. The current deterioration of the forest’s health and related issues, such as climate change and dangers to the overall biodiversity around the
world, are presented to the reader. These are explained in relation to historical developments such as colonization and industrialization, with a focus on India. In this context, issues faced by forest-based tribals in India over the last two centuries and their struggle for their traditional rights culminating in the Forest Rights Act of 2006 have been presented. It is hoped that this document enables the reader to follow ongoing discussions on climate change, environmental crisis and tribal rights, and encourages them to participate in finding solutions as needed.