The study looked at different ways communities in India manage forests. They compared groups set up by the government with groups formed by the communities themselves. They found that the longer a forest is protected, the better it is for plants and animals. The groups formed by communities have strict rules and ways to handle complaints, which helps them use resources sustainably. Even with more people living near the forests, these community groups are good at protecting the forests and making sure they can keep growing. This research shows that how forests are managed can affect how well they are protected and how they can grow back.