New York – India has showcased its significant strides in forest conservation and sustainable forest management at the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF). The session, held at the UN Headquarters from May 6th to 10th, 2024, saw India highlighting how its efforts have led to a consistent increase in forest cover over the past fifteen years. Globally, the nation ranks third in the net gain of average annual forest area between 2010 and 2020.
The Chenab Times has learned that India emphasized its commitment to biodiversity and wildlife conservation, detailing the expansion of its protected areas network. This network now encompasses over a thousand wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves, biosphere reserves, and other wildlife habitats. Recent commemorations, such as the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger and the 30th anniversary of Project Elephant, were cited as underscores of India’s dedication to species conservation and habitat protection.
International Collaboration and Innovative Programs
Further underscoring its global commitment, India announced the creation of the International Big Cat Alliance. This initiative aims to foster collaborative international efforts for the protection and conservation of the world’s seven big cat species. Additionally, India shared the introduction of its ‘Green Credit Program,’ a scheme designed to incentivize entities to undertake tree plantation and restoration of degraded forest lands, thereby bolstering climate action initiatives.
Prior to its participation in UNFF 19, India hosted a Country-Led Initiative in Dehradun in October 2023. This event brought together representatives from 40 countries and 20 international organizations to discuss forest fire management and forest certification. The recommendations formulated during this initiative were presented by India at the UNFF 19 session.
Global Forest Goals and Future Commitments
The UNFF 19 session concluded with a declaration signaling the need for urgent and accelerated actions to halt deforestation and forest degradation, and to prevent land degradation. This aligns with the implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests and the achievement of the Global Forest Goals. India’s participation and the initiatives it presented demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing these critical global environmental challenges.
India’s strategy for forest conservation is multifaceted, involving advanced technologies and community participation. The nation has been implementing modern remote sensing and GIS technologies for real-time forest management and fire prevention. For instance, an AI-based Real-Time Forest Alert System has been piloted in Madhya Pradesh to enable early detection of deforestation and rapid response to illegal activities and forest fires. Efforts to combat forest fires have seen a reduction in incidents, from 223,333 in 2021-22 to 203,544 in 2023-24, according to recent data.
Government initiatives such as the Green India Mission (GIM) and the Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme (FFPM) are central to these conservation efforts. The National Agroforestry Policy promotes sustainable land use by integrating tree planting with crop cultivation, while the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) aims to improve tribal livelihoods through the sustainable management of minor forest produce. The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) channels funds from forest land diversion into afforestation and eco-restoration activities.
Furthermore, India is expanding and strengthening wildlife corridors to maintain biodiversity, with efforts focused on critical areas like the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Corridor in Assam and the Rajaji-Corbett Tiger Corridor in Uttarakhand. These initiatives are crucial for protecting endangered species and ensuring ecosystem connectivity.
Recognizing the vital role of community engagement, India promotes Joint Forest Management Programs and the PMVDY. These programs empower local communities, particularly tribal populations, by enhancing their livelihoods through skill development, infrastructure support, and market linkages for forest produce. This participatory approach fosters local stewardship and contributes to poverty alleviation.
The digitization of forest boundaries across numerous states is also enhancing monitoring and planning capabilities. India’s commitment to increasing its forest and tree cover, which currently stands at approximately 24.62% of its total geographical area, is a testament to the collective efforts of government agencies, research institutions, local organizations, and stakeholders.
India also presented its efforts in mangrove conservation, with a 5-year mission dedicated to the management and restoration of mangrove areas covering approximately 540 square kilometers. Sustainable forest management remains a cornerstone of India’s National Forest Policy, guided by scientifically prepared long-term management plans and the revised National Working Plan Code.
Globally, the State of the World’s Forests 2024 report highlights the importance of innovations in scaling up forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable use to address global challenges. India’s adoption of technologies and its participation in international forums like the UNFF underscore its dedication to these principles, aiming to transform how forestry resources are protected, enriched, and managed sustainably to combat land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
The Chenab Times News Desk