Kalpavriksh has engaged with laws and policies related to conservation and livelihoods since its formation. We have been engaging with various laws particularly the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, the Wildlife Amendment (Protection) Act, 2002 and the Biodiversity Act, 2002. We have been actively engaging with the above mentioned laws and policies through keeping a constant track of the status of the various orders that support or dilute the spirit of the law, spreading awareness and providing advise on laws and policies, especially amongst communities and civil society organizations through production of simple policy briefs and materials which are easily accessible.
As part of various networks and processes we also actively lobby and build advocacy with government to bring in appropriate amendments, or for better implementation of the laws and policies. We also file petitions on relevant matters, or helping affected communities file petitions whenever a need arises. Through these involvements, we help communities to reach their voices to policy forums and raise fundamental issues about the role of laws and policies and its effective implementation.
With the above vision, our activities in villages in and around Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary were initiated in 2007. The overall goal was to help facilitate inclusive conservation governance and management in these villages by supporting local people’s rights over and responsibilities towards surrounding forests and biodiversity.
Forest Rights Act
Kalpavriksh believes that the prime functions of forests as a habitat for wildlife, as providers of ecological security, and as a source of basic survival and livelihood for millions of people, need to be protected. It also recognizes the need for ensuring social justice and welfare of forest-dependent communities, and their central role in forest governance. Read More...
Strengthening Local and Forest Governance
Community mobilization
Women and youth groups
Capacity building workshops and legal training
Facilitating CFR claims process
Facilitating democratic decision making systems
People and Forest Department interactions
Strengthening Conservation Knowledge, Culture and Practices
Joint ecological studies
Bio-cultural diversity
Local seeds conservation
Natural farming systems
Honey bee conservation and research
Traditional knowledge