This 2025 report, Securing Rights, Enabling Futures: Policy Lessons from Forest Rights Act and Future Pathways, synthesises experiences from nearly twenty years of FRA implementation across three states of India - Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, that have substantial tribal population. 

The Forest Rights Act, enacted in 2006, has transformed how India recognises and empowers its forest-dwelling tribal communities. It examines how the recognition and vesting of forest rights have advanced tribal governance, ecological security, and sustainable livelihoods. This study draws on indepth interview with policy makers, front line functinaries and communities and highlights state-led and community-driven innovations, as well as challenges in post-recognition support, gender equity and interdepartmental coordination. It offers actionable pathways to integrate FRA within broader development, environmental, and climate agendas, to realise full potential as a driver of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and tribal empowerment.

This study is a part of UNDP India’s ongoing efforts to promote effective policy engagement and generate meaningful evidence on tribal rights, including the Forest Rights Act and is undertaken in partnership with the Foundation for Ecological Security.