Correct Option
The correct option is Odisha.
Explanation
Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a collaborative strategy involving the State Forest Departments and local communities for the protection, management, and regeneration of degraded forests.
Detailed Analysis:
- Origin vs. Resolution: While the concept of involving local communities in forest protection was successfully pioneered in the Arabari district of West Bengal in the 1970s (initially as a pilot experiment), the formal policy framework came later.
- First Resolution: The state of Odisha passed the first official state resolution for Joint Forest Management (JFM) in 1988.
- National Policy: Following this, the National Forest Policy of 1988 explicitly recognized the role of communities, and the Government of India issued guidelines for JFM in 1990.
- Mechanism: Under JFM, village communities are entrusted with the protection and management of nearby forests. In return for their services, the communities are entitled to a share in the forest produce (such as non-timber forest products and a share in timber harvest).
Key Takeaway: Do not confuse the site of the initial experiment (West Bengal, 1970s) with the state that passed the first formal resolution (Odisha, 1988).