Needs and knowledge of the local people needs to be given due consideration for maintaining forests. This gives an insight on how the resources can be used in a sustainable manner.
When vast area of forest land was converted to monocultures of pine, teak, eucalyptus, etc. a large amount of biodiversity was destroyed and needs of local people (leaves for fodder, herbs for medicines, fruits and nuts for food) could no longer be met from such forests.
