Community based forest management and its impact on vegetation: a case study

The main focus of this case study was to reveal richness, uniqueness and economic importance of the minor forest producing species (MFPs). International Forest Resources and Institutions (IFRI) techniques were used to collect biophysical information pertaining to forest, vegetation and socio economy of dwellers. Ninety plots were demarcated to represent all types of vegetation and linked to social and institutional parameters. The regeneration status of the plant species was correlated to different resource utilization management practices, which includes harvesting practices as well as associated anthropogenic disturbances. The present paper tries to relate the usage of minor forest produces and its reflection on richness and diversity of the ecosystem. With above objects in mind, this paper brings out the role of community forest management and its impact on vegetation and sustainable development of aboriginals based on successive field work from three villages, Markegaon, Devulgaon and Ranvahi of Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, India. An attempt has been made to develop a model for sustainable development and management of minor forest producing species.