INRMP capitalizes on the results of earlier initiatives of SDC and IC in the forestry sector at strategic and community levels in state lands. 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 livelihoods analyses. The focus is on ensuring the cooperation between various partners involved (groups within the community, NGOs, the Forest, Livestock and Agriculture Departments 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 an operational level. The collaborative way of working, developing mutual acceptance and trust between the various partners contributes 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 (replaced by Manshera, in 2009, due to the deteriorating security situation). 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. The second phase of INRM started in July 2009 and will last till June 2011. The study initiated in 2008 on the impact of the timber harvesting ban in Pakistan was completed in 2009, and the final draft was being discussed by all stakeholders, at provincial as well as federal levels.