People's participation plays a vital role in conserving forests and wildlife. The forest policy emphasises sustainable forest management that meets the needs of local people while conserving and expanding forest reserves.

Tribal communities possess age-old knowledge regarding forestry that can be effectively used in the development of forests. Rather than treating tribals as mere minor forest produce collectors, they should be made growers of minor forest produce and encouraged to participate in conservation. Since tribals live in harmony with nature, their involvement ensures better protection of forests.

The forest policy specifically aims at creating a massive people's movement involving women to encourage planting of trees and stop felling of trees. This helps reduce pressure on existing forests and increases forest cover through social forestry and afforestation on degraded land.

Wildlife conservation has unbounded potential for the well-being of humankind, but this can be achieved only when every individual understands its significance and contributes their bit. Active public participation ensures that conservation efforts are sustainable and beneficial for both the environment and local communities.

Such participation helps maintain environmental stability, conserve biological diversity, and protect the natural heritage while ensuring the livelihood of rural populations dependent on forests.