Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDI)

Project Code: 149-502-013	Start Date: 01/04/1994	End Date: 31/03/2000
Commitment: £3,373,000	Status: Current	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
This project is the outcome of a preparation and planning process begun in June 1990 when a feasibility mission was mounted to Himachel Pradesh. This led to draft proposals being prepared by the DFFC. An DFID project preparation mission drawn from the Natural Resources Institute, the Overseas Development Institute and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, visited Himachel Pradesh between April and June 1991. The resultant reports from this mission formed the background to the Concept Paper and the Approach Paper. The present mission was mounted to prepare a draft document with DFFC staff for a three year pilot phase project, the project is consistent with the aims of the UK aid programme to India. The project aims are also consistent with the Government of Himachel Pradesh policies and guidelines for the development and conservation of forests. A recent draft Resolution in support of joint forest management in Himachel Pradesh has been produced by the Government. This framework provides the necessary institutional mechanism through which the project will be able to initiate joint forest management activities in Kullu and Mandi forest circles.

Project Objectives:
Support to the Himachal Pradesh Forestry To plan and implement a long term programme of improved and sustainable management of forest lands designed to halt the environmental degradation taking place in Kullu and Mandi districts, develop, test and implement with communities joint planning and management procedures for forest lands in Kullu and Mandi districts, strengthen the institutional capacity of the Department of Forest Farming and Conservation (DFFC) in order to implement immediate objectives above. The core activities in support of these objectives are focussed on supporting the DFFC at division level and below to establish and support effective, equitable and representative joint forest management groups capable of sustained management of forest resources. This includes Establishment of at least two Joint Forest Management Support Teams, one in each circle. Reorientation and training of territorial staff. Support for monitoring and management systems. Formation of joint forest management groups. Preparation of joint forest management plans. Support to joint forest management groups. Extension advice for both community and private planting.

Intended Outputs:
Preparation of a draft project document with DFFC staff for a 3 year pilot phase project to conserve and improve the productivity of forest lands in Kullu and Mandi.