There is an inseparable link between the forests and the tribes and other forest dwellers. Generation together these communities are residing alongside the forests and are most dependent on the forest products. Some argue that the rights granted under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 to the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers will lead to destruction, damage and loss of biodiversity. Others argue that recognition of forest rights and, more importantly, making conservation democratic - is the only way forward. The more power the forest bureaucracy retains, the more it will harm both wildlife and people. It is being observed that the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is an instrument which will be implemented for protecting the interests of tribes and other forest dwellers for inclusive sustainable development. This paper attempts to examine that the measures ensured to protect the interest of tribes and other forest dweller’s in the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 taking the note of experiences of the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.  

Keywords: Conservation; Bio-diversity; Sustainable use; Sustainable Development; Instruments; Policies; Tribes; Forest Dwellers Rights.