Project Objectives
Climate resilience of upper watershed ecosystems is improved or sustainably restored and the adaptive capacity of forest dependent communities is increased (through sustainable forest management and water resource conservation).
Expected project impacts are: ecosystem watershed services are improved and secured, thus stabilizing the livelihood systems of the target groups; reduction of watershed and forest degradation; increased biodiversity; enhanced incomes for forest-dependent communities in vulnerable watersheds; increased availability of spring water in treated spring catchment areas and sustainable management of forests in the project area.
Formally registered community-based institutions will be actively involved in project implementation.
Success Indicators for the Project Objective
1. At least 21,800 ha of poorly stocked degraded forest stands, 2,000 ha of jhum conservation buffer or other landscape connecting buffer zones, and 1,500 ha of riparian forests are sustainably managed as prescribed in the management (working) plans;
2. For at least 300 km of streams the ecological status is maintained or improved;
3. The livelihood of 70% of targeted households/users of upper watershed forest dependent villages has been improved.