In the face of several problematic policies and economic transactions that have taken natural resources and seed ownership out of the hands of female farmers in several third world contexts, the government of India is attempting to give back some power to the very same women that have for many generations been the caretakers of the environment.

With the burden of environmental degradation being largely borne by the women living within and in the periphery of forests, the government has come out with a proposal to empower women to ensure sustenance of natural resources.

“It is essential that women play a greater role in the management of natural resources,� official sources said quoting the national environment policy (NEP), which was recently approved by the Union Cabinet.

They (women) have to bear the burden of natural resources degradation and also have little control over the management of these resources, the sources said.

The policy talks of incorporating relevant provisions of the national policy for the empowerment of women, which provides a framework for addition of elements towards protection of natural resources through women empowerment, sources said.

via Financial Express.