Abstract：
Forest degradation is a major issue worldwide. The study area, situated in the lower Himalayan foothills of northern India, is also witnessing the same. A ground survey of the area revealed that socio-economic factors are a major cause of forest degradation. Therefore, sustainable forest management is required to maintain forest resources and health. This study aims to develop the most suitable and agreeable alternatives for ensuring the sustainability of forest use, increase economic benefits, and improve the living conditions of the people surrounding the forest area. This study uses the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as a decision-making method. A pre-test was conducted prior to the main survey, which helped validate the questionnaires and deliver more reliable survey responses. The authors identified three criteria (C) and nine indicators (I).The pre-tested criteria and indicators arranged in hierarchical order were prioritized by applying the AHP. A list of 36 alternatives (A) was prepared in ascending order to select the best alternatives and was used to make suitable judgments for enhancing forest management efficiency. C, I, and A were developed based on a literature review, pre-test, and questionnaire-based field survey that recorded the preferences of different stakeholders. The survey was conducted in 77 fringe villages surrounding the forest and responses were collected from 302 respondents. The overall AHP implementation was simplified using \"Super Decisions.\" The results advocate adopting valid options such as afforestation, agro-forestry, plantation, forest boundary demarcation, capital investment, and others to strengthen the sustainable development of the region. Furthermore, some of the major findings were shared with decision-making authorities (forest officials and village representatives). The stakeholders realized the need to accelerate participatory forest management practices, capacity building, and training of the local populations, together with other options to improve their livelihoods.
摘要：
森林退化是世界性的重大问题。研究区域,位于印度北部的喜马拉雅山麓，也见证了同样的事情。对该地区的地面调查显示，社会经济因素是森林退化的主要原因。因此,维护森林资源和健康需要可持续森林管理。这项研究旨在开发最合适和令人愉快的替代品，以确保森林使用的可持续性。增加经济效益,改善林区周围人民的生活条件。本研究采用层次分析法(AHP)作为决策方法。在主要调查之前进行了预测试,这有助于验证问卷并提供更可靠的调查答复。作者确定了三个标准(C)和九个指标(I)。通过应用层次分析法对按等级顺序排列的预测试标准和指标进行了优先排序。按升序编制了36种替代方案（A）的清单，以选择最佳替代方案，并用于做出适当的判断，以提高森林管理效率。C,I,A是在文献综述的基础上开发的，预测试,以及基于问卷调查的实地调查，记录不同利益相关者的偏好。这项调查是在森林周围的77个边缘村庄进行的，并从302名受访者那里收集了答案。使用“超级决策”简化了总体AHP实施。“结果提倡采用有效的选择，如植树造林，农林，种植园,森林边界划分,资本投资，加强该地区的可持续发展。此外，一些主要调查结果已与决策机构(森林官员和村代表)分享。利益攸关方认识到需要加快参与性森林管理做法，能力建设,以及对当地居民的培训，以及改善他们生计的其他选择。
