International Day of Forests
Context:
The International Day of Forests was observed on March 21. The theme for 2025 is “Forests and Food,” emphasising the role of forests in ensuring global food security and nutrition.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Conservation)
Status of India’s Forest:
- According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, 25.17% of India’s total geographical area accounts for forest and tree cover.
- Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest area, while Lakshadweep (91.33%), Mizoram (85.34%), and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (81.62%) have the highest percentage of forest cover.
- India’s mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 km² but has seen a slight decline of 7.43 km² since 2021.
Significance of Forests
1. Environmental Benefits
- Carbon Sequestration: Forests absorb around 30% of global CO₂ emissions annually and store approximately 861 gigatonnes of carbon, playing a major role in combating climate change.
- Biodiversity Conservation: About 80% of the world’s terrestrial species rely on forests. In India, forests provide habitat for key species like tigers and elephants.
- Water Security: Forests help maintain hydrological cycles, recharge groundwater, and prevent floods. Many major cities depend on forested watersheds for drinking water.
2. Economic and Livelihood Importance
- Forest-Based Economy: Globally, 1.6 billion people, including 70 million indigenous people, depend on forests for food, medicine, and livelihood.
- Employment Generation: Over 30 million people in India work in forestry-related activities, and government programs like MGNREGA support afforestation efforts.
- Livestock and Agriculture Support: Forests provide fodder for millions of livestock and contribute to sustainable farming practices.
3. Cultural and Social Significance
- Many Indian communities consider forests sacred, with over 100,000 sacred groves, such as the Kavus of Kerala and Law Lyngdoh in Meghalaya. These protected areas preserve rare and endangered plant species.
- Forests also safeguard wild relatives of crops, such as wild rice in Assam, essential for breeding climate-resilient crops.
India’s Initiatives for Forest Conservation:
- Green India Mission (GIM): Aims to enhance forest cover by 10 million hectares and boost forest-based livelihoods.
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980: Regulates deforestation and promotes afforestation.
- National Afforestation Programme: Supports large-scale afforestation projects.
- PM Van Dhan Yojana: Strengthens tribal livelihoods by adding value to minor forest produce.
- CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund): Utilises funds from diverted forest land projects for afforestation.
- National Agroforestry Policy (2014): Promotes tree planting alongside agriculture to enhance climate resilience and rural income.
Prelims Question:
With reference to the International Day of Forests, consider the following statements:
- The United Nations General Assembly officially recognised the day in 2012.
- The theme for the 2025 International Day of Forests is “Forests and Food.”
- India’s forest and tree cover, as per the ISFR 2023, is more than 30% of its total geographical area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
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