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Forest Commons and Governance Research Group, TISS Mumbai

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Forest Commons and Governance Research Group, TISS Mumbai

Established in 2012, the Centre for Climate Change & Sustainability Studies is a pioneering centre of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai.

Focus Areas: Livelihood and Well-Being, Human Rights and Protected Areas, Forest Jurisprudence, Equity and Empowerment, Convergence of Plans and Schemes for Forest Management, Gender and Forest, MGNREGA and FRA The centre's faculty members and scholars work on diverse research themes ranging from energy to climate change, agrarian issues, industrial ecology, common property resources, and coastal

and forestry sectors from interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives. The centre's Forest Commons and Governance Research Group seeks to develop an interdisciplinary, analytically sound and rigorous perspective towards studying the forest commons that draws from academic work in forest and environmental law, social sciences and the lived experiences and knowledge of communities, peoples, and movements. The work of the Forest Commons and Governance Research Group is driven by the ideal of equitable access to common property resources in different forms and the preservation of the ideal of the commons, both local and global. Our Key Focus Areas
- Forest Commons and Forest Rights Act
- Forest Conservation Policy and Laws
- Equity and Well-Being in the context of forest and environmental governance
- Rural Development, Forest-based Livelihood and MGNREGA
- Gender and Forest

What We Do?
- Evidence-based research on forest commons
- Training and capacity building on forest and environmental policy and laws
- Policy Advocacy and Dialogue on forest and environmental governance
- Field-Action and Community Engagement Projects
- Undertake independent impact evaluation studies
- Documentation of best practices and enabling processes on forest commons
- Provide Internship Opportunities to young students

Research institutes, government departments, practitioners, NGOs and research scholars working on similar issues are encouraged to collaborate with us. Contact us at this email id: [email protected]

13/05/2025

🚀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗿!
We’ve launched our latest field intervention in partnership with the Nandurbar District Administration through a dynamic orientation programme at the Collector Office. Dr Mittali Sethi

Our newly inducted Research Officers and FRA Mobilisers are now equipped to work alongside tribal Gram Sabhas to advance community forest rights (CFR) and build forest-based livelihoods through grassroots action and legal empowerment.

This programme is part of our larger initiative at the
𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗦 𝗠𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗶,
where we bridge academic insight with action on the ground.
🌿 This marks a key step in realizing climate resilience, social equity, and community-led forest governance in one of Maharashtra’s forest-rich, tribal-majority districts.

📩 Want to support tribal livelihoods, commons-based conservation & policy-grounded action?
Write to us at: [email protected]

23/04/2025

Exciting field engagement in Chandrapur!

The Keystone Foundation team from Chennai visited Gram Sabhas with CFR rights, supported by TISS, to learn and share experiences on community forest governance, FRA 2006 implementation, and forest-based livelihoods.

Such collaborations strengthen the movement for ecological justice and community-led conservation. 🌿🤝 Keystone Foundation

26/03/2025

🌳 Major milestone achieved for Community Forest Rights in Pen, Raigad! 🌱
Community Forest Management plans for 13 villages in Pen, Raigad have been approved by the Block Level Convergence Committee (BLCC) empowering them to protect, manage, and sustainably use their forests. This approval of CFR Management Plans marks a crucial step toward community-led conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

👏 This achievement reflects the collective efforts of local Gram Sabhas, civil society organizations, and government agencies working together for forest-dependent communities. It sets a strong precedent for other regions striving for forest rights and ecological sustainability.

💡 Why It Matters:
🌿 Strengthens community-led conservation & biodiversity protection
🌾 Enhances sustainable forest-based livelihoods
👥 Empowers Indigenous & local communities

At , we continue to support communities in securing and implementing CFR rights for a greener, more equitable future.

📢 What are your thoughts on community-led forest governance?

21/03/2025

🌳 International Day of Forests: Celebrating Forests & Foods! 🌾🌿🍎

Forests do more than store carbon—they feed billions, protect water sources & sustain livelihoods! This year’s theme, “Forests & Foods”, highlights how forests nourish both people & the planet. 🌍
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
🔥 2B+ people rely on woodfuel for cooking
🍽️ 5B+ depend on forests for food & medicine
🐝 Forests support farming—pollinators, soil health & rainfall
💧 85% of major cities get fresh water from forested watersheds

At Commons and Governance Research Group, TISS Mumbai, we work to empower communities by securing Community Forest Rights (CFRs) & supporting forest-based livelihoods for a sustainable future. 🌱🌏

💬 What’s your favorite forest food? Tell us in the comments! 🍄🥜🐝

11/03/2025

🌿 Big milestone for community forest governance in Chandrapur! 🌿

We have been working closely with 100 villages to develop 100 CFR management plans that empower Gram Sabhas to sustainably manage their forest resources. These plans are approved by the Block Level Coordination Committee (BLCC), and now forwarded to the District Level Convergence Committee (DLCC)!

This achievement is a step forward in securing the rights of forest-dependent communities and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. A huge shoutout to the Gram Sabhas, ITDP officials, the Forest Department, and our TISS team for their dedication and collaboration.

08/03/2025

🌿𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
As we mark International Women's Day on March 8, 2025, we reflect on the pivotal role women play in forest governance and the legal frameworks that support their empowerment. In India, several laws have been instrumental in ensuring women's participation in managing forest resources and promoting gender equality.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁 (𝗙𝗥𝗔) 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟲: This Act mandates that at least one-third of the members of the Forest Rights Committee (FRC) should be women, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes related to forest management Additionally, forest rights are registered jointly in the name of both spouses for married couples, providing legal security for women.

𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘁𝘀 (𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀) 𝗔𝗰𝘁 (𝗣𝗘𝗦𝗔) 𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟲: PESA extends provisions for one-third reservation for women in local governance institutions, including Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas. This has significantly increased women's leadership roles and participation in resource management, particularly in tribal areas.

𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗵𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁 (𝗠𝗚𝗡𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗔) 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟱: As a part of convergence efforts Gram sabha with recognized community forest rights can be registered as a implementing agency under MGNREGA. Also, MGNREGA ensures equal pay for men and women and mandates that at least 33% of beneficiaries should be women. This has enhanced economic independence and social empowerment for rural women.

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
- 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀: By mandating women's participation in forest management committees, these laws ensure that women's voices are heard and valued in community decision-making processes.
- 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Through equal pay and guaranteed employment opportunities, women can achieve financial stability and contribute more effectively to their communities.
- 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Women's traditional knowledge and involvement in forest conservation can lead to more sustainable and equitable management of forest resources.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering women in all spheres, including forest governance. By supporting and implementing these legal provisions effectively, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come.

26/02/2025

A new chapter in our field-cum-research project on Forest Commons and Social Transformation, thanks to the active interest and commitment of Mittali Sethi (IAS) District Collector, Nandurbar and Anya Navandar (IAS) ITDP PO Taloda.

Nandurbar is one of the smallest districts in Maharashtra but has huge potential for forest restoration and livelihood promotion in the interior areas of tribal villages. We hope this new collaboration will activate the villagers and local administration to streamline the convergence of plans and programs at the GPDP level.
We are grateful to the District Collector Dr Mittali Sethi for this opportunity to work in Nandurbar.

21/02/2025

We are thrilled to share that our Project Leader Geetanjoy Sahu has received 'Most Impactful Leader' award by World CSR Day in Mumbai.
This gives us immense pleasure and sense of pride that our rural intervention efforts are getting recognized by the CSR platform on World CSR Day.

We are grateful to our field-action team members, and village and district coordinators for their hard work, and for taking ownership of the work in their respective field areas.
We appreciate the efforts of Yogini Warghade, Jyotsna Padawal, Mohan Bhala, Mohan Mengal, Kalpana Pawar, Arun Patil, Bharat Pawar, Kanta Waghmare, Jagadish Dolaskar, Amol Kukade, Nitin Thakare, Pravesh Sute, Ashish Gahane, Kunal Nakshane, and the research team anchored by Aaishwarya Jadhav, Subhash Patil, Sonakshi Srivastava, Hrishikesh Patil, Vishnukant Govindwad and Mamita Madavi.

We are thankful to Azim Premji Foundation-APPI, Foundation for Ecological Security and the Maharashtra Tribal Development Department for their support in undertaking the field-action projects.

11/02/2025

A two-day policy dialogue involving academicians, government officers, NGO representatives, Gram Sabha and CFRMC members was organized by the Centre for Climate Change & Sustainability under its ongoing forest commons project in Gadchiroli on the 7-8 February.

The insights and presentations shared by the participants reveal how the enforcement of progressive legislations like FRA can be a game-changer in improving the socio-economic conditions of the forest-dwelling communities, and importantly, the empowerment of the most marginalized communities in this part of the country.

Amidst poverty and multiple institutional challenges- hundreds of tribal villages in the Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra have exercised statutory provisions under FRA and PESA to use and manage forest resources sustainably. The lessons from Gadchiroli are exemplary and are replicable in other parts of the country.

17/12/2024

We are happy to share with you all that the Research Officers from our Chandrapur team, have been honored by the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) Project Officer (PO), Chandrapur, for their outstanding work in over 100 CFR villages across the district. This recognition highlights their significant contributions to raising awareness about the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and enhancing the livelihoods of tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers.

Jagdish Dolaskar
Himani Rina
PRAVESH SUTE
Amol Kukade
Nitin Thakare

11/12/2024

We are happy to share that today we organized a 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 (𝗖𝗙𝗥) 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁, 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟲. It successfully brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss strengthening accountability and collaboration for effective implementation of in the forest areas under FRA.
This workshop was organized in collaboration with Foundation for Ecological Security and SAFAR - Social Accountability Forum for Action and Research.

𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 -
1. To discuss the significance of the social accountability framework in the enforcement of public policies, especially in the rights-based public policies.
2. To understand and map the current accountability provisions and mechanisms present in the Forest Rights Act claim process and post-claim intervention phase.
3. To advocate and design a framework for social accountability of authorities (formal and informal) involved at all levels in the enforcement of community forest rights.

Participants - Diverse stakeholders ranging from researchers, subject experts, representatives from NGOs, practitioners and activists engaged at different levels and in various capacities nationwide will participate in the workshop.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in this impactful conversation. Together, we are paving the way for inclusive and just forest governance! 🌿

For more information and collaboration please contact us - [email protected]

06/12/2024

At the Community Conference on Commons 2024 by Foundation for Ecological Security, under the theme , the people of Varsai Pada, shared their struggles to protect 263 hectares of community forest under the Forest Rights Act, raising concerns about the impact of the Balganga Dam project.
Their call for fair compensation and protection of their heritage reminds us to focus on inclusive and just development.

Today, we had a Local screening and discussion along with sharing experiences under the theme 'Struggles of Commoning' in the tribal hamlet Varsai pada, 80km from Mumbai.

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