The overall objective of the project is to improve collaborative forest management and increase access to alternative income generation activities for forest-dependent communities in targeted sites. This will achieve by: (i) improving public sector management of forest resources and increasing participation of communities in forest conservation and restoration and, (ii) reducing direct dependence and exploitation of forest resources by offering alternative livelihood sources to dependent communities and improving the enabling environment for trees outside forests. Together, these will result in the eventual improvement of forest cover and ecosystem functions, coastline protection and increased employment opportunities for some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities, including women and small ethnic communities.

Specific Objectives of the project given below:

• To improve organizational effectiveness by strengthening institutions, information systems and providing necessary training to forest officials and staffs;
• To strengthen collaborative forests and Protected Areas management for enhancing forest restoration, wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services;
• To increase access to alternative income generating activities (AIGAs) including forest extension service & planting trees in Trees Outside Forests (ToF) areas to reduce forest exploitation and improving environment;
• To monitor forest restoration and enhanced tree cover in the ToF.