Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Dear All,

Social protection has immense role to play to promote and protect the livelihoods of the forest dependent communities given the fact that they are more vulnerable to the climate change impacts which sometimes found disastrous for communities who rely on any natural resources for their livelihoods. Social schemes around education, health, sanitation & land development sectors are of immense use for the welfare and development of forest dependent communities. Though India has made a successful journey in this direction, a lot yet needs to be done before it attains the goal. The so called Right to Education Act in India has been found to be effective in improving the literacy rate among the tribal communities. Similarly National Health Mission successfully piloted in almost all states of India could able to reduce the MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) and IMR (Infant Mortality Rate). Above all NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) has immense role in sustainable land development and creating additional job opportunities for the tribal women and youths. Though we strongly appreciate their customary legacies, however, the need for convergence with the social schemes to improve their socio-economic status cannot be denied. This is high time to ensure proper implementation of these schemes in the remote areas instead of proposing new schemes. Besides, in no way the fundamental rights of forest dependent communities to forest and land shall be compromised. A better forest dependent community ensures a better environment, country and a globe.