Joint Forest Management in Tamil Nadu - Problems and Prospects

Joint Forest Management (JFM) is eliciting peoples' participation in the management of natural forests for sustainable management. The Interface Forestry Programme implemented to reclothe degraded forests since 1988 is a precursor to the present JFM initiatives in Tamil Nadu. The advantages and constraints in using JFM approach are discussed. The synergetic effect of biological , hydrological and sociological approaches adopted in JFM strives to ameliorate the conditions of rural people and facilitate their co-operation in the management of adjacent degraded natural forests in an integrated manner. Such an approach promises not only rejuvenation of the natural forests but also improved quality of life of the people living adjacent to the forests.