Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on Joint Forest Planning and Management (JFPM), which is a participatory forest management framework used in India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Joint Forest Planning and Management (JFPM), often referred to as Joint Forest Management (JFM) nationally, is based on the National Forest Policy of 19
It was developed to encourage partnerships between local communities and state forest departments to protect and restore degraded forest lands.
Under this framework:
- Local villagers form a committee (such as a Village Forest Committee or VFC).
- The committee takes on responsibilities for protecting adjacent forests from fire, grazing, and illegal felling.
- In return, the forest department shares benefits with the villagers.
These benefits typically include access to non-timber forest products (NTFPs) like grass, honey, and medicinal plants, as well as a share of the profits from timber harvests.
This model helps align conservation goals with local livelihoods, moving away from purely exclusionary forest management.
Step 3: Final Answer:
In JFPM, benefits are shared between the local villagers and the state forest department.
This corresponds to Option (B).