Forest Rights Act (FRA)

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), enacted in India in 2006, recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to access and manage their ancestral lands and resources. It aims to address historical injustices faced by these communities by granting them land rights, the right to collect forest produce, and participate in conservation efforts. The Act empowers local communities to claim ownership of land they have traditionally occupied and promotes sustainable forest management, ensuring that their livelihoods and cultural practices are preserved while balancing environmental conservation efforts.