Forest laws, for whom, by whom? A concept mapping study of the Ecologically Fragile Lands Act, 2003 in Wayanad, Kerala, India

Abstract

Kerala enacted the Kerala Forest (Vesting and Management of Ecologically Fragile Lands) Act, 2003 to conserve 'fragile ecosystems' lying contiguous to reserve forests. As this Act led to several litigations and conflicts, the current concept of Ecologically Fragile Lands (EFL) was concept mapped among the different stakeholders, including 'small and marginal' farmers in the context of Wayanad district, Kerala. Several dimensions of EFL, viz. 'Ecological', 'Situational', 'Socioeconomic', 'Framework' and 'Better EFL' were developed and debated to evolve a more acceptable EFL concept. The study also accentuates the relevance of public participation in conceiving socially inclusive forest laws and policies.