Empowering Local Communities for Conservation in Newly Declared Conservation Reserves in the Western Ghats

Develop management plans for three newly established conservation reserves in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district enshrining community-based conservation strategies. Empower local people for effective participation in conservation reserve management by establishing and strengthening local community organizations, identifying suitable incentive mechanisms for engaging local people in conservation, promoting sustainable NTFP harvesting practices, and cultivating selected NTFPs to reduce pressure on forests.