Microlevel planning for sustainable development of two village ecosystems in Uttara Kannada district

An integrated, participatory and village ecosystem approach was adopted for microlevel planning for sustainable development of two village ecosystems in Uttara Kannada district. Initially a survey and inventory of natural resources, dynamics of resource use, identification of resource degradation, causes for degradation of natural resources and local traditions and resource management practices, was conducted. A technological and institutional package was developed in a participatory way. Development programmes are being implemented through the existing developmental departments. Initial findings show that (i) community participation in decision making was partly achieved, (ii) whenever community had access to information and was consulted the programme implementation was better, (iii) though initially agreed to, the integrated approach was not adopted in programme implementation and (iv) effective participatory monitoring mechanisms are yet to be worked out. Need for empowering the village community (gramasabha) to take all decisions and village natural resource management committee to operationalize the decisions of gramasabha has been suggested to ensure ecosystem approach to achieve sustainable development