Environment and human rights crusaders are hopeful that the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, would view forest and wildlife protection policy from the people's point of view and unsure that forest dwellers and others dependent on non-timber forest produce are seen as invaluable human resource asets in the management of environment and not as offenders as being projected by the forest department officials. Mr. Sompal Shastri, Minister of State for Agriculture, seems to be seized of the dual policy being pursued in the country and has urged Mr. Suresh Prabhu to ensure suitable changes in the forest laws to allow involvement of local communities in protection and maintenance of forests.