Capacity Building

Capacity Building PERG

Project for Ecosystem Restoration in Gujarat (PERG) involves multifarious interventions which require varied level of expertise right from unskilled labour to highly qualified technocrats, ecosystems management experts, meticulous planners, monitoring experts, livelihood experts, social and environment experts, etc who are placed at different levels of Administration such as State, Circles, Divisions and Ranges. The community facilitators and resource organisations are also required at village levels to ensure active participation of Cluster Level Organisations, Village Organisations and Self-Help Groups for the success of the project. For the timely and effective planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring, etc, capacity building of different stakeholders is an imperative.

Gujarat Forest Department successfully conducted training sessions under the Project for Ecosystem Restoration Gujarat (PERG). Subject matter experts from the Project Management Unit (PMU) and Project Management Consultant (PMC) collaboratively prepared bilingual training materials in English and Gujarati. Over 590 personnel, including CCFs, CFs, DCFs, RFOs, Round Foresters, Beat Guards, and Office Staff, participated in these sessions, focusing on key project components such as PERG intervention strategies, monitoring and evaluation, plantation site identification, community participation, and survey and demarcation techniques. The training ensured that forest officers at all levels gained in-depth knowledge of the project's objectives and implementation approach.

A key highlight of the training was the introduction of GIS and MIS tools, enabling participants to enhance data management and mapping skills essential for tracking project progress. Special technical sessions focused on the importance of data recording, KML file management, and monitoring frameworks using measurable indicators. Additionally, participants were trained on Google Earth Pro software for creating and uploading polygons, overview and insights into LIDAR-based forestry technology. Through these initiatives, the Gujarat Forest Department is building a robust foundation for the effective implementation and monitoring of the PERG project.