21-May-2024-Editorial

19TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON FORESTS 

India recently participated in the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) at the UN Headquarters in New York, showcasing its achievements in forest conservation and sustainable management.  

The session highlighted India’s initiatives and proposals aimed at enhancing global forest governance and addressing contemporary challenges. 

Key Takeaways from UNFF19: 

National Forest Policy Emphasis: 

• India presented its revised National Forest Policy, emphasizing forest fire prevention and management through recommendations and technological solutions. 
• UNFF highlighted the global impact of forest fires, affecting approximately 100 million hectares of forest annually. 

Global Fire Management Hub: 

• India proposed operationalizing the Global Fire Management Hub, a collaborative initiative by the UNEP and the FAO, to share knowledge and experiences in mitigating forest fires. 

Universally Accepted Standards: 

• India suggested establishing universally accepted standards like the Model Forests Act for forest certification programs to promote consistent and responsible forest management practices worldwide. 

Review of UN’s Strategic Plan: 

• The forum reviewed the UN’s strategic plan for forests (2017-2030) and assessed progress in achieving global forest goals, including enhancing economic, social, and environmental benefits. 

Concerns about “Climatisation” of Forests: 

• A UN report raised concerns about the “Climatisation” of forests, driven by market-oriented approaches for carbon sequestration, potentially diminishing forests’ ecological and social values. 

Initiatives by Indonesia and Malaysia: 

• Indonesia presented its Forest and Other Land Use Net Sink 2030 strategy, while Malaysia committed to maintaining at least 50% of its territory under tree cover. 

India’s Highlighted Initiatives in Forest Management: 

Technological Solutions for Forest Fires: 

• India showcased its success in using technology to manage forest fires, including real-time monitoring via remote sensing and online reporting through web portals. 

• Forest inventory records indicate varying levels of fire exposure across forested areas in India. 

Ranking in Net Forest Gain: 

• Globally, India ranks third in net forest gain between 2010 and 2020, reflecting its efforts in forest conservation and restoration. 

Milestones in Species Conservation: 

• India celebrated significant milestones, including 50 years of Project Tiger and 30 years of Project Elephant, demonstrating its commitment to species conservation and habitat protection. 

Green Credit Program: 

• India introduced the ‘Green Credit Program’ to incentivize tree plantation and restoration of degraded forest lands, contributing to climate action initiatives. 

Country-led Initiative under UNFF: 

• In 2023, India hosted a country-led Initiative under UNFF at Dehradun, focusing on forest fire management and forest certification, attended by representatives from various countries and international organizations. 

Key Facts About the Indian Forest Policy: 

National Forest Policy Evolution: 

• India’s forest policies have evolved over time, from prioritizing timber production during colonial times to emphasizing ecological security and contemporary challenges in recent drafts. 

Forest Cover in India: 

• As per the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the country’s total forest cover is approximately 21.72% of the geographical area. 

Conclusion: 

India’s participation at UNFF19 underscored its commitment to forest conservation and sustainable management.  

Through its proposals and initiatives, India aims to contribute to global efforts in achieving forest-related goals.  

The session highlighted the importance of international collaboration and knowledge-sharing platforms in addressing contemporary challenges in forest governance.