21-December-2023-Special-Article

INDIAN FOREST AND WOOD CERTIFICATION SCHEME

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has taken a monumental step toward sustainable forest management with the launch of the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS). This voluntary third-party certification aims to ensure the integrity, transparency, and credibility of sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices in India. The scheme aligns with global efforts to combat deforestation and enhances the nation’s commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS):

Objective:

• IFWCS seeks to offer an indigenous alternative to foreign certification agencies, ensuring greater integrity and credibility in certifying sustainable forest management and wood-based products.

Certification Scope:

• Three main areas covered: Sustainable forest management, management of trees outside forests, and chain of custody for traceability.
• Oversight by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council, Indian Institute of Forest Management (Bhopal), and National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies.

Trees Outside Forests Standard:

• Includes trees growing outside recorded forests, in farm lands, agroforestry systems, and other private lands.
• Introduced as part of IFWCS, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Benefits:

• Enhances trust and transparency in forest management processes.
• Provides market incentives for entities adhering to responsible practices.

Global Context:

• Aligns with global climate change commitments to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, as seen in the Glasgow climate change conference.

Recent Announcements in Forest Management:

National Working Plan Code 2023:

• Released for scientific management of forests, bringing uniformity.
• Indian Forest Management Standard (IFMS) considers diverse ecosystems while ensuring uniformity.

Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark Scheme:

• Introduced under the LiFE movement for voluntary environmental actions.
• GCP incentivizes environmental actions across sectors, administered by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.
• Ecomark Scheme provides accreditation for household products meeting environmental criteria, administered by the Central Pollution Control Board and Bureau of Indian Standards.

Conclusion:

India’s recent strides in forest management underscore a commitment to sustainability. IFWCS, along with initiatives like the National Working Plan Code 2023, Green Credit Program, and Ecomark Scheme, reflects a holistic approach toward responsible environmental practices. These efforts, aligned with global commitments, position India as a steward of its rich biodiversity and a leader in promoting sustainable forest management on the world stage.

Mains Question:

1. Examine the significance of the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) in promoting sustainable forest management in India. Discuss how initiatives like IFWCS, along with the National Working Plan Code 2023, Green Credit Program, and Ecomark Scheme, contribute to India’s commitment to responsible environmental practices and its global role in combating deforestation. (150 WORDS)