DCAP’s program on Law and Policy of Natural Resources has been based on the understanding that law and legal systems underpin the development status and processes of any society, and therefore, need to be integrally dealt with in any development enterprise.
In a culturally diverse society such as India, which is an ancient civilization that has witnessed different frameworks of legal systems, it becomes essential to adopt a ‘Legal Pluralist’ approach to law and governance systems. Our work on law and policy of natural resources in India explored formal and non-formal frameworks, taking into account both state and non-state norms and actions in the legal sphere.
DCAP’s research on Law and Policy on Natural Resources led to the clear understanding and conviction that sustainable governance of resources requires the full participation of local communities and institutions in data acquisition and management for development planning.
Recognizing the need to demonstrate this understanding on a more systematic and scientific basis, DCAP undertook a program to demonstrate the application of latest scientific tools [Geospatial Technology] to facilitate local assessment of resources and development planning, thereby paving the way for local ownership and management of data for decentralized governance.
In addition to its Research Programs, DCAP has taken up implementation of development programs relating to resource conservation, particularly relating to Water and Soil Resources.