Uttarakhand, with its rich biodiversity and substantial forest cover, is home to many rural communities that depend on forest resources for their livelihoods. However, unsustainable use of these resources has led to biodiversity loss and economic challenges. To address this, the Uttarakhand Forest Resources Management Project (UFRMP), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was launched in 2015. The project aims to implement sustainable forest management practices that conserve biodiversity while improving the livelihoods of local communities. The UFRMP-JICA initiative has empowered rural communities by forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cluster federations. These groups have been instrumental in fostering economic and social development through sustainable livelihoods. The report discusses the positive impact of capacity-building programs initiated under this Project, which have strengthened the skills of SHG members and promoted sustainable forest management.

Financially, the project has improved household incomes and supported financial inclusion through microfinance initiatives like revolving funds. By integrating sustainable forest management practices with community empowerment, the UFRMP-JICA initiative has demonstrated the potential for achieving long-term environmental and economic benefits. The report underscores the importance of continuing to build on the project’s successes, with a focus on enhancing governance, financial inclusion, and market access to ensure the sustainability of these efforts in the future.