23-April-2024-Editorial

GLOBAL FOREST WATCH

Global Forest Watch (GFW) provides crucial insights into global forest cover changes, emphasizing the environmental impact and regional trends.

The latest data highlights significant tree cover loss in India, posing challenges for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Key Findings from Global Forest Watch (GFW):

Total Loss in India:

• India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, marking a 6% decrease in tree cover.
• Notably, 4,14,000 hectares of humid primary forest were lost between 2002 and 2023, comprising 4.1% of total tree cover.

Carbon Impact:

• Indian forests emitted 51 million tons of carbon dioxide annually from 2001 to 2022, but they also removed 141 million tons each year, resulting in a net carbon sink of approximately 89.9 million tons annually.

Loss within Natural Forests:

• An alarming 95% of tree cover loss in India between 2013 and 2023 occurred within natural forests, indicating a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Peak Years of Loss:

• Maximum tree cover loss in India was recorded in 2017 (189,000 hectares), followed by 2016 (175,000 hectares), and 2023 (144,000 hectares), highlighting recent acceleration in deforestation.

State-Level Impact:

• Five states accounted for 60% of tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023, with Assam experiencing the highest loss at 324,000 hectares.
• Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur also faced substantial losses, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.

Impact of Forest Fires:

• Fires contributed to 1.6% of tree cover loss in India between 2001 and 2022, with Odisha recording the highest annual loss (238 hectares) due to fires.
• The year 2008 witnessed the maximum tree cover loss from fires, amounting to 3,000 hectares.

Tree Cover Loss and Climate Change:

• Forests act as both carbon sinks and sources, impacting climate change dynamics.
• Forest loss accelerates climate change by releasing stored carbon, underscoring the urgency of forest conservation.

Global Forest Status:

• Globally, 76.3 million hectares of humid primary forest were lost from 2002 to 2023, contributing to 16% of total tree cover loss.
• Overall, there was a 12% decrease in global tree cover (488 Mha) from 2001 to 2023, with deforestation being a significant driver.

Major Forest Conservation Initiatives in India:

Forest Cover Assessment:

• The Forest Survey of India (FSI) conducts biennial assessments, culminating in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), which provides crucial data on forest cover trends.
• The latest ISFR (2021) indicates positive progress, with India’s forest and tree cover expanding to 8,09,537 square kilometers, accounting for 24.62% of the country’s geographical area.

Government Initiatives:

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008, NAPCC raises awareness about climate change threats and promotes mitigation and adaptation measures.
• National Mission for Green India: Aims at protecting, restoring, and enhancing forest cover to mitigate climate change impacts.
• Nagar Van Yojana (NVY): Launched in 2020, NVY aims to create urban green spaces to enhance biodiversity and improve urban living conditions.
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): Utilized to offset forest land diversion for developmental projects, facilitating afforestation and ecosystem restoration.
• Multi-Departmental Efforts: Various government departments, NGOs, and corporate bodies collaborate on afforestation initiatives, leveraging schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the National Bamboo Mission.

Draft National Forest Policy:

• The draft policy emphasizes forest conservation, protection, and management while addressing the needs of tribal and forest-dependent communities.
• It outlines strategies for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.