Explain the importance of the participation of local communities in forest conservation.

(N/A) $(i)$ In $1731$,the King of Jodhpur sent his men to cut trees in a forest near a village inhabited by the Bishnoi community to obtain wood for building his palace. $A$ woman named Amrita Devi hugged a tree and refused to let it be cut. The King's men killed Amrita Devi,her three daughters,and many others. This is a remarkable example in history where people sacrificed their lives to protect the environment. The Government of India has instituted the 'Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award'.
$(ii)$ In $1974$,the 'Chipko Movement' was started by local women in the Garhwal Himalayas. These women bravely protected trees from being cut down by contractors.
Recognizing the importance of local community participation,the Government of India introduced the concept of 'Joint Forest Management' $(JFM)$ in $1980$. This initiative facilitates the protection and management of forests in collaboration with local communities.