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Save Forest

Context:

• India participated in the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) in New York, focusing on global forest conservation.

Key Highlights of the 19th United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

Focus Areas:

• Emphasizing engagement of local communities in forest management and highlighting the benefits of forests.

Forest Coverage:

• Forests play a vital role in biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and climate change mitigation, covering 31% of global land area.

India's Forest Report:

• India's report showcases increases in forest and tree cover, mangrove area, and carbon stock, reflecting conservation efforts and global ranking in forest expansion.

India’s Efforts:

• India focuses on biodiversity and wildlife conservation, highlighting projects like the Tiger and Elephant Projects. It introduced initiatives like the Green Credit Program to promote tree plantation and land restoration.

UNFF 19 Declaration:

• The session concluded with a commitment to stop deforestation, forest degradation, and land degradation by 2030, adopting the UN Strategic Plan for Forests.

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) and Key Milestones

About UNFF:

• Established in 2000 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, UNFF aims to manage, conserve, and sustainably develop all types of forests with universal membership.

Key Milestones:

• 1992: Adoption of "Forest Principles" and Agenda 21.
• 2000: Establishment of UNFF as a functional commission of UNESCO.
• 2006: Agreement on four Global Objectives on Forests.
• 2007: Adoption of the UN Non-Legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests.
• 2011: Designation of UNFF as the International Year of Forests.

United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests (2017-2030)

Ratification:

• Adopted in January 2017, the plan envisions advancing sustainable forest management and enhancing the role of forests in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Six Global Forest Goals:

• These goals include reversing forest cover loss, enhancing benefits from forests, increasing protected forest areas, mobilizing financial resources, promoting governance frameworks, and strengthening cooperation on forest-related issues.

Principles of the 2030 Agenda:

• The plan aligns with the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing collaborative efforts to achieve transformation within and beyond the United Nations framework.

Various Forest Conservation and Management Initiatives in India

India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021:

• FSI conducts biennial assessments, revealing positive trends in forest and tree cover, with initiatives supporting afforestation.

Initiatives for Promoting Forest Cover:

• National Mission for a Green India, National Afforestation Programme, National Action Programme to Combat Desertification, Nagar Van Yojana, CAMPA, Forest Conservation Act, National Forest Policy, and Forest Rights Act are key initiatives driving forest conservation efforts.

Importance of Forest Conservation in India

Economic Contribution:

• Forests significantly contribute to the economy through various products and services, benefiting local communities and attracting tourists.

Ecosystem Conservation:

• Forests provide essential ecosystem services like water regulation, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, crucial for environmental balance.

Biodiversity Hotspot:

• India's forests host rich biodiversity, with unique species like the Royal Bengal tiger in the Sundarbans mangroves.

Cultural and Spiritual Value:

• Forests hold cultural and spiritual significance, deeply rooted in the traditions and livelihoods of many communities across India.

Different Challenges Related to Forest Conservation

Area Identification and Availability:

• Challenges include defining degraded areas and selecting suitable restoration sites, especially in diverse agro-climatic zones.

Stakeholder Conflict:

• Conflicting interests among various stakeholders hinder effective forest conservation and management.

Financial Constraints:

• Inadequate funding and high costs of restoration projects limit the scalability and success of conservation efforts.

Poverty and Ecological Degradation:

• The link between poverty and forest degradation impacts millions of people, with many depending on forests for their livelihoods.

Awareness and Understanding:

• Lack of awareness about forest conservation and its ecological importance poses a significant challenge to sustainable management practices.

Way Forward

Incorporating Local Communities in Forest Management:

• Empowering local communities to manage forests fosters ownership and active participation in conservation efforts.

Encouraging Sustainable Forestry Practices:

• Promoting practices like selective logging and reforestation ensures sustainable forest management while preserving biodiversity.

Utilising Technology for Conservation:

• Using technology such as remote sensing and GIS aids in monitoring forest cover, detecting fires, and identifying areas for conservation efforts.

Establishing Dedicated Forest Corridors:

• Creating corridors for wildlife movement helps preserve habitats and ensure biodiversity and ecosystem connectivity.

Valuing Forest-Based Products:

• Recognizing the value of forest products encourages communities to protect forests in exchange for better resource prices.