Rural poor people in the Indian state of Gujarat largely depend on forests for their livelihoods. There is a need to restore degraded forests, to increase their productivity and to improve the income level of villagers. A project implemented by the GIZ-IS aims to promote sustainable forest management, including joint forest management (JFM) plantations and community/tribal development to alleviate poverty while improving the overall condition of the natural environment. Two of UNIQUE’s experts, a community development specialist and a socio-economist, provided their expertise in various fields.

• Design of a baseline survey for the preparation of micro-plans.
• Preparation and implementation of the livelihood enhancement plan with focus on the vulnerable poor.
• Support of resource organizations in the preparation of livelihood enhancement plans.
• Review guidelines for micro-plans and standard management manuals for JFM committees.
• Design of the project impact assessment (socio-economic impact).
• Facilitation of the project impact evaluation (ex-ante and mid-term) and review of the results.