Context
India’s forest ecosystems and agroforestry systems play a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods, providing ecosystem services, and serving as carbon sinks to meet the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). With 22 per cent of the population living in forest-fringe villages, communities depend heavily on these resources. However, increasing climate risks, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, threaten ecosystems and rural well-being. Unequal access and differing roles of men and women in managing forests further exacerbate vulnerabilities. Addressing these challenges requires integrating gender-responsive approaches to ensure equitable and effective resource management.
Objective
Gender-responsive and climate-resilient practices have strengthened the management of forest and agroforestry ecosystems in India, contributing to equitable resource use and reduced climate risks.
Approach
The project works on the following three pillars:
Providing technical training and soft skills development for public institutions, research organisations, and local bodies to integrate gender-responsive and climate-resilient approaches into policies;
Supporting the development of gender-action and monitoring plans aligned with the National Working Plan Code (NWPC) 2023, and assisting stakeholders in implementing and funding landscape management plans, such as Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and District Development Plans;
Facilitating income-generating activities by supporting Farmer Producers Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and cooperatives with a focus on gender inclusion.