The degradation of Commons can be attributed to weak tenure rights, erosion of local institutions, and the misplaced belief that local communities are ineffective managers of their shared natural resources.
FES aids communities secure tenure over their Commons. Where the Forest Rights Act applies, communities are supported to claim rights over Commons as community forests. Where there are wastelands, we help village communities acquire long-term leases, and claim for increases in pastures. We also enable local communities to map their common lands (wastelands and pastures) and register them in the Prohibitory Order Book or Panchayat Asset Register, to limit their diversion to other uses.
