Phulwasan Kudupi, a member of the Gond tribe from Masulpani village in Chhattisgarh state, India, walks with her community into the forest every day. Phulvasan Kudupi collects important forest produce from there like Mahua, Harra, Behra and Tendu leaves which have medicinal properties and sells them in the market to support her family.
“We are completely dependent on the forest for our livelihood. We will do anything to save it,” says Kudupi. Her story is the story of millions of tribal communities in India and around the world who rely on “collective resources” for their livelihoods. Are dependent on. “Common resources” are those natural resources like forests, pastures and water resources, which are used and managed collectively by all members of the community. About 35 crore people in India, especially in rural and tribal areas, have access to these collective resources. Are dependent on. But, their access and rights to these resources are still insecure. The Importance of Collective Resources Around two and a half billion people globally depend on land administered by communities. These collective resources are often managed by making collective rules to ensure equitable use and sustainability. The destruction of these resources has led to problems such as loss of biodiversity, land degradation, and water crisis, the greatest impact of which is on sensitive areas. impacts communities. The tribal population, who account for almost half of their annual income from forests, is particularly affected by this situation. To meet these challenges, it is necessary to secure land rights and promote decentralized governance, so that both livelihoods and the environment can be protected. Nobel laureate Dr. Eleanor Ostrom’s research on collective resource management has led to the sustainable management of collective resources. The path of management has been paved. His principles resonate deeply with India’s rural and tribal communities, whose future depends on the conservation of these shared resources. Collective Resources: Key to Climate Resilience and Gender Equality The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recognized the role of secure rights over collective resources in combating climate change. Communities that have control over their resources can better manage and conserve them, thereby reducing environmental risks. For tribal communities, collective resources are not only economic resources, but also an important foundation to withstand climate shocks such as drought and floods. Gender equality is also a central aspect of this discussion. The responsibility for collecting resources often falls on women, and women also suffer the most from the depletion of collective resources. This has an adverse impact on their rights, livelihood and social status. Secure land rights give women legal recognition over these resources, giving them fair and equal access to land and other natural resources. Furthermore, inclusive governance and management of natural resources improves the status of women. This empowers them to actively participate in decision-making processes, ensures equitable access to resources, and promotes sustainable practices. Rights-based approachesEfforts to restore collective resources align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the principle of “leaving no one behind”. This approach calls for establishing governance that balances ecological restoration, livelihoods, and social equity. In India, UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, State Tribal Welfare Departments, and the Institute for Eco-Security, is developing community-based conservation. Have promoted. The rights of forest dwellers, especially Scheduled Tribes, have been recognized by strengthening the effective implementation of India’s Forest Rights Act (FRA). This has helped these communities manage their resources sustainably. FRA not only protects tribal rights, but also promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The Act helps protect livelihoods by empowering communities to manage forests. Collective resources are not just shared space; These are like a lifeline for millions of marginalized people. Conservation of these resources is extremely important for social justice, climate resilience and sustainable development.