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Goal: Improved quality of life of marginalized tribal communities through effective governance of natural resources for their sustainable livelihoods Objectives Consolidating CFR work in project villages with special reference to implementation of Conservation and Management Plans (CMPs) and also Soil and Moisture Conservation through mobilization of MGNREGS. Initiate Gram Sabha and CFRMC strengthening process and facilitate implementation of CMPs. Promote supporting livelihood mechanisms using other resources such as MFPs Strengthening Vidarbha Livelihood Forum through a process of networking amongst members Geographic Focus:  25 villages of Deori and Armori blocks of Gondia and Gadchiroli districts respectively Maharashtra. Major Activities  Capacity building of CFRMCs formed under section 4 (1) e of Forest Rights Act 2006 (FRA 2006). Awareness and education in project villages. Management of CFR with technical expertise and back up. Livelihoods based on MFPs/Fisheries and agricultural intensification, Empowering Gram Sabhas at village level for trading Tendu Patta (as this is one of the largest income sources for tribals), bamboo and other local Minor Forest Produces. Promote fisheries wherever possible. Facilitating Convergence with line departments e.g. Forest, Revenue, Tribal Development, Fisheries, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Biodiversity Board, MGNREGS, etc. Deliberate efforts to mainstream gender perspectives in all project strategies to ensure women are involved at every stage and are empowered in the process. Advocacy for effective implementation of FRA and related programs and policies through convergence of various schemes to develop CFR lands. Capacity building of VLF members for joint advocacy. Project Outcomes Empowered community institutions such as Gram Sabhas and its Executive committees under section 4(1)(e) of FRA namely ‘Community Forest Rights Management Committees (CFRMC)’ to consolidate implementation and management of Conservation and Management Plans on acquired CFR lands under the act. Strengthened Gram Sabhas and CFRMCs in project villages Mobilized District Convergence Committee and concerned line departments for implementation of C and M plans in project villages and paves ways for other villagers to plan for the same. Set up inland fisheries for 1000 families in at least 20 villages, agriculture development with 4000 households of the project villages. Set up tendu leaves and Mahua flowers trades with at least 3000 families and e-tendering for smooth functioning of work and assured incomes Strengthened Management Leadership skills in CFRMC leaders to manage their committees and constructive dialogue with block and district level authorities for the development of CFR lands and villages in general. Constructive dialogue with policy makers brought synergy among the conflicting policies like Community Forest Rights, PESA, Village Forest Rules, and Joint Forest Management, and made these policies largely pro people. At least Rs. 6 Crore mobilized from developing CFR lands in project villages through convergence.