Since the dawn of the nineteenth century, the ecological and cultural landscapes of forest-fringe societies have transformed dramatically. Growing populations, top-down policies and market forces have led to the rapid depletion of natural wealth and the abandonment of many traditional systems. In rural India, communities are threatened by, among other things, abject poverty, a lack of economic opportunities, and the looming consequences of climate change. Changing global market dynamics and associated development patterns have also brought about changes in community values, attitudes and livelihoods that affect the need, ability and willingness of local people to work collectively in forests.