Assam has a rich biodiversity and two major hotspots, Kaziranga and Bongaigaon, add to the uniqueness of the state. In order to preserve and restore forest ecosystems, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the State Government of Assam commenced The Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC). The project primarily laid emphasis on sustainable forest management, adding value and opening market opportunities for forests and biodiversity goods and services. This was done to provide an alternative source of income to the forest dependent communities.