India’s holistic strategy integrates forests, food, and livelihoods

26 Mar India’s holistic strategy integrates forests, food, and livelihoods

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of the India India’s holistic strategy integrates forests, food, and livelihoods

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GS-3-Environment- India’s holistic strategy integrates forests, food, and livelihoods

FOR PRELIMS

What are the key features of the Green India Mission? and What are the main reasons for deforestation in India?

FOR MAINS

What are the key challenges in implementing the Green India Mission?

Why in the news?

Forests are the lifelines of our planet, providing oxygen, food, medicine, and livelihoods to millions. Beyond their ecological significance, forests are pillars of global food security, offering essential resources such as fruits, seeds, roots, and wild meat, which support indigenous and rural communities. Every year on March 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Forests to celebrate all types of forests, recognize the importance of trees and forests, and take action to protect them.

What is International Forest Day?

International Day of Forests, observed on March 21 each year, is a global event established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012 to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees. It highlights the vital role forests play in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to human well-being. The day promotes actions such as tree planting, conservation efforts, and sustainable forest management to protect these crucial ecosystems. Various organizations, governments, and individuals worldwide participate in activities and discussions that emphasize the need for forest preservation and restoration to combat climate change and ensure a greener future.

Forest Statistics of India 

Govt policies for forest protection in India 

Forest Degradation in India 

1. Deforestation & Land Use Change: Large-scale clearing of forests for agriculture, infrastructure, and urbanization reduces forest cover and biodiversity.
2. Illegal Logging & Timber Extraction: Unregulated tree felling for timber, fuelwood, and commercial purposes leads to habitat destruction.
3. Encroachment & Habitat Fragmentation: Human settlements, farming, and industrial expansion result in fragmented forests, impacting wildlife movement and ecosystem balance.
4. Forest Fires: Both natural and human-induced fires destroy vast forest areas, reducing biodiversity and increasing carbon emissions.
5. Mining & Industrial Activities: Open-cast mining, quarrying, and industrial pollution degrade soil quality and disturb forest ecosystems.
6. Climate Change Impacts: Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events stress forests, leading to tree mortality and biodiversity loss.
7. Invasive Species: Non-native plant species, such as Lantana and Parthenium, outcompete native flora, altering forest composition.
8. Overgrazing & Unsustainable Agriculture: Livestock overgrazing and shifting cultivation practices lead to soil erosion and loss of vegetation.

Way forward to Promote forest protection

1. Strengthen Afforestation & Reforestation Initiatives: Expand programs like the Green India Mission (GIM) and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
2. Enhance Legal and Policy Framework: Strengthen enforcement of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Implement stricter penalties for illegal deforestation and encroachments.
3. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM): Adopt community-based Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs. Encourage eco-tourism and non-timber forest product (NTFP) industries for sustainable livelihoods.
4. Community Participation & Indigenous Knowledge: Involve tribal and forest-dwelling communities in conservation efforts. Recognize traditional ecological knowledge for forest protection.
Strengthen the implementation of the Forest Rights Act of  2006 to balance conservation and community rights.
5. Strict Control on Forest Degradation & Land Use Change: Implement policies to curb deforestation due to urbanization and mining. Promote land reclamation techniques for degraded forests.
Enforce sustainable infrastructure development with minimal ecological damage.
7. Forest Fire Prevention & Control Measures: Use early warning systems and satellite monitoring to detect forest fires. Train local communities for fire prevention and control strategies.
Establish fire lines and deploy fire-resistant species in vulnerable areas.
8. Restoring Degraded Lands & Wetlands: Strengthen programs for watershed management and soil conservation. Restore wetlands, mangroves, and riparian forests for climate resilience.
9. Promote Agroforestry & Sustainable Agriculture: Scale up the National Agroforestry Policy to integrate trees into farmlands. Support farmers with incentives for agroforestry-based practices.

Conclusion 

Forest protection is critical for maintaining ecological balance, combating climate change, and sustaining livelihoods. By integrating scientific innovations, legal frameworks, and sustainable practices, India can enhance its forest conservation efforts while ensuring economic and ecological benefits. Multi-stakeholder collaboration, strict enforcement of policies, and community-driven approaches will be essential to safeguarding India’s forests for future generations.

Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 26th March 2025

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