The experience of Forest Landscape Restoration in Madhya Pradesh, India

The concept of Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) is highly relevant to the Indian context as it is a cost-effective option to cover large degraded forests rapidly. It envisages adopting a holistic view of greening that goes beyond tree planting in order to attain the goal of carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement through ecosystem restoration while at the same time developing the socio economic security of tribal communities. This paper details the implementation of an FLR initiative in three demonstration plots in Sheopur and Dindori, Madhya Pradesh which are the homes of the Sahariyas and Baigas tribes, with a focus on restoration and effective community engagement. Preliminary observations have produced promising results in terms of social engagement and financial income generated from the harvest. In addition soil and moisture conservation through the adoption of 400-500 saplings/ha indicate a rapid greening and significant carbon sequestration.