Introduction
This is a new programme areas which was earlier referred to as the Policy & Advocacy Group. This programme will be cross-cutting – providing strategic inputs, advice and networking with other groups and role players both within and outside Keystone. It will strive to bring Environmental Governance centre-stage so that all policies, action, processes have the environment as a focus. It will actively work with community, decision-makers, business & trade and research institutions. The programme will be flexible and open and will constantly try to adapt to new situations so that the environment agenda is not lost.
Forest Rights Act in the Nilgiris
The Forest Rights Act is of great importance to the forest dwellers of the Nilgiris as land rights for the tribals and other forest dwellers have been mired in ambiguity. By and large there have been no individual land rights for tribals and their rights to forest produce is also subject to heavy regulation. Thus the FRA brings great hope to ameliorating the situation of the tribals in the Nilgiris. Keystone has been working with the tribal communities, other NGOs and the local administration to facilitate the process of implementation of the Act.
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