Answer

Introduction

India’s new National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation (2025) marks a shift from fortress conservation, which excluded people, to a participatory model aligned with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. Together, they redefine conservation as a social contract where forest dwellers are partners in protecting biodiversity, balancing ecology with human dignity.

Body

How legislative acts and policy redefines the relationship between Forest community and conservation efforts

• Forest Dwellers as Stakeholders: Both frameworks recognise forest-dependent people as rightful custodians of land and resources, shifting the focus from exclusion to partnership.
  Eg: The FRA legally recognises Individual and Community Forest Rights (CFRs) for Adivasi and other traditional forest dwellers.
• Rights-Based Relocation: The policy ensures relocation only after FRA processes, such as settlement of land and community claims, are completed.
  Eg: It reverses the 2024 NTCA directive that called for mass village relocations from tiger reserves.
• Linking Conservation with Livelihoods: The framework integrates biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods and community-based forest management.
  Eg: Community-run eco-tourism projects in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh have improved both local incomes and forest health.
• Legal Protection Against Evictions: By invoking the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the policy provides legal safeguards against forced displacement and unlawful evictions.
• Decentralised Decision-Making: Both frameworks empower Gram Sabhas and local institutions to make decisions on forest use, management, and conservation planning.
  Eg: In Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, Gram Sabhas managing bamboo harvesting under FRA have increased revenue while conserving forests.
• Integrating Indigenous Knowledge: Traditional ecological knowledge is recognised as complementary to scientific methods, promoting inclusive conservation.
  Eg: Fire control and medicinal plant practices of tribal communities are now part of forest management plans.
• Stronger Accountability Mechanisms: A three-tier grievance redress system ensures transparency and fairness in relocation and compensation.
• Context-Specific Conservation: The framework supports research and pilot projects to test locally suited coexistence models for people and wildlife.
  Eg: Pilot studies in buffer zones of tiger reserves explore sustainable coexistence between communities and tigers.

Conclusion

The Forest Rights Act (2006) and the Community-Centred Conservation Framework (2025) represent a shift toward inclusive and sustainable development. By aligning ecological protection with social justice, India is moving from exclusionary conservation to one based on participation, rights, and coexistence ensuring both people and wildlife thrive together.

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