200 million tribals and other traditional forest dwelling communities depend on forests for their livelihood – ranging from shelter to forest produce. In Maharashtra, 10 million adivasis solely live and earn from forest based non-timber produce and agricultural activities. However, low levels of literacy, poverty, lack of technical and leadership skills has resulted in landlessness.
Despite the enactment of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, a landmark legislation, millions of tribals and other traditional forest dwelling communities have not had much success in getting entitlements to their traditional land holdings. We are striving to transform this landlessness into land security. Land ownership will not only help to secure identity and dignity but also improve the livelihoods of the tribal community. We aim to secure land rights of one million oppressed and marginalised tribal and forest dwelling communities by 2025 across India through engagement, capacity building, leadership, data collection and GIS based mapping of land parcels.
Through our community outreach program we initiate a dialogue among the tribal community to raise awareness and provide an avenue for everyone to participate in decisions that affect their lives. An initial visit to the village helps to understand the needs of the community and helps develop a bond of trust. These bonds are nurtured through personal interactions, focus group discussions and Gram Sabha (Village Council) meetings.
Community participation is key in the claim-filing process. However, the outcome of these processes to a great extent depends on governments and their agencies that provide an enabling environment. Securing land ownership and building economic capabilities require a co-creating approach. Hence it is quintessential to nurture and develop a strong partnership with local authorities including Gram Panchayat, Revenue & Forest Department, Panchayat Samiti, Sub Divisional Offices and District Collectorate.
The tribal community is apprised of the correct procedure to obtain their rightful land holdings through intensive training sessions. Furthermore they are also equipped with the necessary knowledge to use the technological platform developed to map land parcels. These sessions also highlight the importance of formation of the Forest Rights Committee and Biodiversity Management Committee and the roles and responsibilities played by each committee. From orientation programs to constituting the FRC, Waatavran has lent its voice not only to tribal communities but also empowered women in those households, to claim equal land holding rights.
In order to streamline and accelerate the process of claim-filing we partnered with Cadasta Foundation to develop a robust technological platform that allows to document information and evidence, map the land parcels using satellite imagery, analyse, store and share critical land and resource rights information. This user-friendly platform allows us to work in remote areas both online and offline. Its key features include use of multiple regional languages, accuracy in mapping and the potential to replicate and scale this model.
Waatavaran also aids to transfer knowledge about sustainable livelihoods through the formation of a Farmers Producers Company and by building local governance. Inculcation of sustainable cultivation practices through suitable cropping patterns (based on soil health, weather and availability of water), water management, soil conservation, promoting seed banks and nurseries and natural, zero budget farming.
Building local governance will help in protection and management of forests and forest produce. This would further help to nurture the relationship between man and nature and ensure their peaceful coexistence.
Waatavaran Climate Environment & Sustainability Foundation is a not-for-profit company incorporated and registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. All donations made to Waatavaran are eligible for income tax deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
REGISTERED ADDRESS
L-4/906, Swapnapurti, Sector 36, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai – 410210, Maharashtra, India
OFFICE ADDRESS
67/A, Kamgar Nagar CHS,
Behind Madhavbaug, Kurla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400024
Email: info@waatavaran.in
Mobile: +91-8850903025 / +91-9221250399
Copyright © 2022 | Site By: Creatiwitty