All Books/Class 5/EVS/Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Whose Forests?

EVS • Class 5

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Chapter Analysis

Beginner8 pages • English

Quick Summary

This chapter narrates the story of Suryamani, who has a deep bond with forests and works towards protecting them. It highlights the challenges faced by forest-dwellers due to contractors and development projects, emphasizing the cultural and ecological importance of forests as a 'collective bank'. The chapter discusses the concept of Jhoom farming, community rights over forests, and the Right to Forest Act 2007.

Key Topics

  • Community rights over forests
  • Impact of contractors
  • Traditional farming methods
  • Forest ecology
  • Cultural significance of forests
  • Forest conservation laws
  • Collective management of resources
  • Challenges faced by forest-dwellers

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the relationship between forest-dwellers and their environment.
  • Discuss the impact of modern development on traditional communities.
  • Analyze the ecological importance of forests.
  • Identify strategies for sustainable forest management.
  • Appreciate the role of traditional knowledge in forest conservation.
  • Explore the social and cultural dimensions of forestry issues.

Questions in Chapter

What do you think is a forest?

Page 183

If someone grew lots of trees close to each other, would this become a forest?

Page 183

Do you know anyone who loves the forest?

Page 184

The contractor did not allow Suryamani’s people to go into the forest. Why?

Page 185

Is there any place around your area which you feel should be open to everyone, but where people are not allowed to go?

Page 185

Explain in your own words why forests are important for the people living in forests?

Page 191

Did you find something interesting in jhoom farming?

Page 191

Additional Practice Questions

Why is it important to preserve traditional knowledge along with modern education?

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Answer: Preserving traditional knowledge allows communities to maintain their cultural identity and historical continuity, while also ensuring sustainable management of natural resources using time-tested methods.

What role does community play in forest conservation?

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Answer: Communities play a crucial role in forest conservation by collectively managing resources, implementing sustainable practices, and enforcing protective measures as defined by local customs and laws.

How does modern development impact forest ecosystems?

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Answer: Modern development often leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecological balance due to construction projects, mining, and industrialization.

Discuss the benefits and limitations of Jhoom farming.

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Answer: Benefits of Jhoom farming include maintaining soil fertility and supporting biodiversity, while limitations involve potential land degradation and unsustainable practices if not managed properly.

How can children be made aware of the importance of forests?

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Answer: Children can be educated about forests through interactive activities like nature walks, storytelling, and involving them in conservation projects, which can increase their awareness and empathy towards environmental issues.