We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders when it comes to forests and wildlife. Who among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce? Why do you think so?

a) There are four main stakeholders for our forests and wildlife. They are:

(i) The people who live in or around forests are dependent on forest products for various aspects of their lives.

(ii) The government's Forest Department, which owns the land and controls the forest resources.

(iii) The industrialists, who use various forest products but are not dependent on the forests in any one area.

(iv) The wild life and nature enthusiasts who want to conserve nature in its pristine form.

Among these four stakeholders, the forest department of the government should have the authority to decide the management of forest products. 

b)This is because the forest department is the caretaker of the forest land and is responsible for any damage to the forest.