Forest Rights Act (India)

The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of India, enacted in 2006, recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities, such as tribal populations and other traditional inhabitants, over forest land and resources they have historically inhabited or used. It aims to empower these communities by providing legal rights to land, forest produce, and livelihoods, ensuring their participation in conservation and management efforts. The act seeks to correct historical injustices, promote sustainable usage, and preserve the cultural and social identity of indigenous peoples, balancing conservation with rights-based development.