The project development objective (PDO) is to reduce rural poverty through improved forest management with community participation.The specific outputs leading to PDO are: 1. Legal,institutional and policy framework strengthened. 2. VSS prepared and capable to assume forest management tasks. 3. Forest Resources within community forest management areas improved/ rehabilitated. 4. Non-government organization (NGO) skill enhanced for working with Vana Samarakshana Commitees (VSS). 5. Prioritised social and economic needs of VSS supported.