SDC and IC have collaborated for over 20 years in natural resource management in NWFP, beginning with the Kalam Integrated Development Project (1984-98), which pioneered integrated management of natural resources. In subsequent years, the support to the Forest Management Centre and the Forest Department (1994-2003) focused on forest management planning and introducing a livelihood approach to forest management in NWFP. FMC’s livelihood focus highlighted that forests do not only produce timber but also several other products which are economically and socially important for communities particularly women. The FMC also worked closely with the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB)-supported Forestry Sector Project, engaged in Village Development Planning methodology as a means to secure income in communal areas. The above-mentioned projects contributed to the institutional reform process of the Forest Department, which materialized through the Forest Policy 2001 and the new Forest Act 2002. INRMP will capitalize on the results of these initiatives to support resource management at community level in state forests.

The project aims at operationalizing an integrated approach in the management of natural resources in and around designated areas by using a participatory approach on the basis of livelihood analyses. The focus would be on ensuring the cooperation between various partners involved (groups within the community, NGOs, the Forest, Livestock and Agriculture Department and local counselors). The Joint Forest Management concept already exists in the Forest Department’s frame of working for designated areas and will be integrated in village planning. A bottom up approach in implementing the plans at village level helps identify gaps in planning at higher level and hence contributes to improving the system at operational level. The collaborative way of working and developing mutual acceptance and trust between the various partners will contribute to the ownership and thereby to sustainability of outcomes. The Project is anchored in the NWFP Forest Department. At the District level, the Project is housed in the local Forest Department offices at Districts Haripur, Lower Dir and Hangu. These three locations inhabit different legal categories of forestlands and are poverty stricken due to drought, water shortage, landlessness, lack of income sources, etc. The Project Steering Committee includes Forest Department and other multi-stakeholders noteworthy for integrated natural resource management. At field level the Agriculture, Water and Livestock departments are gradually being brought on board for integration, as per community demand relating to the natural resources