1.An Intensive Study of Governance and Sustainability of CMRC –Community Managed Resource Centre for MAVIM-Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, Government of Maharashtra- A Pilot study of the best and least performing CMRC.

SHG models have proved to be great interventions for the empowerment of poor and weak section of women in the rural belt. A number of Government agencies, NGOs are working in the field of SHG formation and strengthening. MAVIM which is a State-run Non-Profit organization which works for women empowerment and development in the state of Maharashtra, is also the second largest organization in the state to form 65,000 women SHGs which covers 3.17 lakh women in the all and covering 33rural districts of Maharashtra. The CMRC is a women’s federation, Community Managed Resource Centre (CMRC) around 150-200 SHGs formed in a cluster of around twenty villages, within the radius of 20 to 25 km. All SHGs in the cluster, regardless of the agency that promoted them, will be eligible to become members and avail of the services of the CMRC. All SHGs will strive by means of training, regulation; become ‘A ‘Graded SHGs. The CMRC is a registered organization and work on a no profit loss basis. It is not necessary to have it at block level but can be established at any centrally situated village.

Output for Project
1.Successfull replicable business models identified.
2. Failed practices evaluated and identified.
3.Evaluation and Performance metrics for all CMRC was created.
Sponsored: MAVIM

2.An Intensive Feasibility Study of Eco-Tourism Projects - Sindhudurg Pilot Study Community Based Eco-Tourism

It is a form of tourism that emphasises on the development of local communities and has substantial control over and involvement in its development and management. By sharing activities, festivals, livelihoods, artisanal goods, home-stay with the tourist a major share of benefits remain with the community and generate local income strengthening local economies. A successful model of community-based tourism seeks intense local ideation and involvement, utility of local skills and leadership. Understanding the fact that the State Government and MTDC is keen to promote community based eco-tourism and the destinations already are being exploring the option of community based eco-tourism. The assignment focused on certain objectives which could draw out a viable and feasible community based eco-tourism model at Hadi/Wadatar /Vengurla.

Output of the research
1.Clear SWOT for the project and gaps. 2Understanding of buy in and support of the local community for the project
3. Ideation of the community
4. Understanding the plans and support of officials
5. Understanding the present status and work ahead for the action plan for Phase-2
Sponsored: UNDP, Mangrove Cell-Ministry of Forestry